Healthy Homes Assessment Bluff Hill

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Bluff Hill rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Bluff Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Bluff Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Bluff Hill, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who report at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Bluff Hill rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Bluff Hill rental properties.

Start now and call about the Bluff Hill Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Bluff Hill

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the house heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Bluff Hill

Rental properties in Bluff Hill should have a permanent heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Bluff Hill

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Bluff Hill

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the household to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Bluff Hill Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Bluff Hill

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Bluff Hill include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Bluff Hill for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.