Healthy Homes Assessment Clive

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Clive rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must 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 can assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Clive rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Clive rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to remember that landlords who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Clive, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Clive rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Clive rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Clive Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Clive

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Clive

Clive rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Clive

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Clive

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task for the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Clive Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Clive

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Clive include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Clive for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.