Healthy Homes Assessment Wallaceville

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure their Wallaceville rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wallaceville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Wallaceville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment done for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Wallaceville, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Wallaceville rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Wallaceville rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Wallaceville Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wallaceville

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the house warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Wallaceville

Rental properties in Wallaceville should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source like heat pumps, it may require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wallaceville

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Wallaceville

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wallaceville Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wallaceville

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Wallaceville include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wallaceville for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.