Healthy Homes Assessment Jervoistown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Jervoistown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Jervoistown, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the quality of Jervoistown rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Jervoistown rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Jervoistown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Jervoistown

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of the home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Jervoistown

Rental properties in Jervoistown should have a permanent heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Jervoistown

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air is easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Jervoistown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to allow the house to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Jervoistown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Jervoistown

Rental property areas affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Jervoistown include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Jervoistown for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.