Healthy Homes Assessment Roys Hill

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Roys Hill 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 fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess each of 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Roys Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Roys Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is important to remember that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Roys Hill, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Roys Hill rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Roys Hill rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Roys Hill Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Roys Hill

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is 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 the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional 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 house is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Roys Hill

Roys Hill rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it could require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Roys Hill

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Roys Hill

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Roys Hill Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Roys Hill

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Roys Hill include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Roys Hill for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.