Healthy Homes Assessment Bluff Hill

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Bluff Hill rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’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 any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Bluff Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as 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 Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Bluff Hill, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Bluff Hill rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs 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, as well as Draught Control for Bluff Hill rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Bluff Hill Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Bluff Hill

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Bluff Hill

Bluff Hill rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it may need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Bluff Hill

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Bluff Hill

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to the house to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Bluff Hill

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Bluff Hill include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Bluff Hill for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.