Healthy Homes Assessment Fernhill

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Fernhill rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Fernhill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request 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 provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Fernhill, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Fernhill rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Fernhill rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Fernhill Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Fernhill

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Fernhill

Fernhill rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, 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 health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like the heat pump, it could need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Fernhill

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside and remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Fernhill

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy for the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Fernhill Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Fernhill

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Fernhill include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Fernhill for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in an home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.