Healthy Homes Assessment Camberley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Camberley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must 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 will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that needs to be done, and provide the report with all the information required 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 found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Camberley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Camberley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Camberley, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Camberley rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Camberley rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Camberley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Camberley

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Camberley

Rental properties in Camberley must have a fixed heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), 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 may be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Camberley

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Camberley

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to allow the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Camberley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent 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 Camberley

The areas of rental property that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Camberley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Camberley for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.