Healthy Homes Assessment Anderson Park

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 now have to ensure their Anderson Park 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 fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties and are fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Anderson Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Anderson Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home inspection performed on 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?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Anderson Park, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient 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 illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Anderson Park rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Anderson Park rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Anderson Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Anderson Park

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into the home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Anderson Park

Anderson Park rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable 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 the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Anderson Park

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Anderson Park

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes it easier for the house to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Anderson Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Anderson Park

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Anderson Park include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Anderson Park for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.