Healthy Homes Assessment Havelock North Central

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Havelock North Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Havelock North Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Havelock North Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection 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 important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Havelock North Central, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Havelock North Central rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Havelock North Central rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Havelock North Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Havelock North Central

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within the house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut 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 holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the house warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Havelock North Central

Havelock North Central rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems 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 be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Havelock North Central

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Havelock North Central

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy to the house to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Havelock North Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Havelock North Central

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Havelock North Central include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Havelock North Central for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties home evaluation.