Healthy Homes Assessment Bluff Hill

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Bluff Hill rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Bluff Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Bluff Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange 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 is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Bluff Hill, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Bluff Hill rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Bluff Hill rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Bluff Hill Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Bluff Hill

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A humid house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Bluff Hill

Rental properties in Bluff Hill need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must have a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Bluff Hill

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Bluff Hill

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to allow the household to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor 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 quality.

Bluff Hill Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Bluff Hill

Property rental areas that are affected by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Bluff Hill include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Bluff Hill for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.