Healthy Homes Assessment Hastings

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Hastings 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Hastings rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Hastings rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Hastings, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Hastings rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Hastings rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Hastings Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hastings

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Hastings

Hastings rental properties require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Hastings

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how dried air can be more easy to heat, and that 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 all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable 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 quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Hastings

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to allow the house to retain the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Hastings Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hastings

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Hastings include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hastings for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental properties home assessment.