Healthy Homes Assessment Jervoistown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter 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 incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Jervoistown, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Jervoistown rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Jervoistown rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Jervoistown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Jervoistown

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Jervoistown

Jervoistown rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested 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), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Jervoistown

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dry air will be more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Jervoistown

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task for the household to retain 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 more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Jervoistown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove 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 isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Jervoistown

The areas of rental property that are affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Jervoistown include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Jervoistown for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during a house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.