Healthy Homes Assessment Camberley

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 now have to make sure their Camberley 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 fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Camberley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Camberley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other 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 which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Camberley, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Camberley rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Camberley rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Camberley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Camberley

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Camberley

Rental properties in Camberley should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Camberley

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

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

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Camberley

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 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 quality.

Camberley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Camberley

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Camberley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Camberley for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.