Healthy Homes Assessment Fernhill

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Fernhill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Fernhill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Fernhill, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Fernhill rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Fernhill rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Fernhill Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Draught Stopping Fernhill

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Fernhill

Fernhill rental properties should have a permanent heating source which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Fernhill

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding how dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

Insulation Fernhill

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand 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 part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Fernhill Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Rental Property Home Assessments Fernhill

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Fernhill include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Home Assessments Fernhill for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to book your rental properties home assessment.