Healthy Homes Assessment Hastings Central

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 ensure that their Hastings Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done, and offer the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified for each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Hastings Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

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

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Hastings Central rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Hastings Central rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Hastings Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hastings Central

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows in the 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 well-being homes

Heating Hastings Central

Rental properties in Hastings Central need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Hastings Central

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

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

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Hastings Central

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to allow the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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

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

Hastings Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hastings Central

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Hastings Central include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hastings Central for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today and book your rental property home evaluation.