Healthy Homes Assessment Wallaceville

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Wallaceville rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wallaceville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Wallaceville rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Wallaceville, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the standard of Wallaceville rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Wallaceville rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Wallaceville Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wallaceville

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Wallaceville

Rental properties in Wallaceville require a reliable source of heating that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wallaceville

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dry air is easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Wallaceville

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy for the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wallaceville Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wallaceville

The areas of rental property that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Wallaceville include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wallaceville for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for in an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.