Healthy Homes Assessment Twyford

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Twyford rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information 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 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Twyford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Twyford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords 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 whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

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

It’s also important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Twyford, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Twyford rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Twyford rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Twyford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Twyford

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the house require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible 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 construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building when the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Twyford

Rental properties in Twyford need to have a stable heating source which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended 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), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Twyford

Each liveable space in a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dried air can be easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Twyford

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to the house to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Twyford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that 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.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Twyford

The areas of rental property that are affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Twyford include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Twyford for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting an home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.