Healthy Homes Assessment Parkvale

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? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Parkvale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Parkvale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Parkvale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

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

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an 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 matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Parkvale, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Parkvale rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Parkvale rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Parkvale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Parkvale

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

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Parkvale

Parkvale rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might require an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Parkvale

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

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

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that can be 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 areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Parkvale

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to allow the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Parkvale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Parkvale

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Parkvale include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Parkvale for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal 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?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an 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 house evaluation.