Healthy Homes Assessment Havelock North Central

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 ensure their Havelock North Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Havelock North Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Havelock North Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Havelock North Central, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Havelock North Central rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Havelock North Central rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Havelock North Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Havelock North Central

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from the home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Havelock North Central

Havelock North Central rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Havelock North Central

Every living space of a rental house must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Havelock North Central

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task for the household 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 the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Havelock North Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Havelock North Central

Rental property areas affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Havelock North Central include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Havelock North Central for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.