Healthy Homes Assessment Havelock North Central

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Havelock North Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Havelock North Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Havelock North Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Havelock North Central, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Havelock North Central rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping in Havelock North Central rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Havelock North Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Havelock North Central

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A damp house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Havelock North Central

Rental properties in Havelock North Central need to have a stable heating source that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it might just require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Havelock North Central

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Havelock North Central

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Havelock North Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water 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 stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Havelock North Central

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Havelock North Central include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Havelock North Central for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for when conducting an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.