Healthy Homes Assessment Whitby

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Whitby rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Whitby rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Whitby rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is important to be aware that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Whitby, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Whitby rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Whitby rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Whitby

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Whitby

Whitby rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it may need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Whitby

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Whitby

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to the house to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Whitby Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that 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.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Whitby

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Whitby include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Whitby for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine during the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.