Healthy Homes Assessment St Leonards

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? Landlords are now required to make sure that their St Leonards 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 completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a St Leonards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the St Leonards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and St Leonards, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of St Leonards rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for St Leonards rental properties.

Start now and call about having a St Leonards Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping St Leonards

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A humid house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating St Leonards

St Leonards rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation St Leonards

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

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

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside while remaining closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation St Leonards

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

St Leonards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your 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 St Leonards

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in St Leonards include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments St Leonards for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.