Healthy Homes Assessment Jervoistown

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 Jervoistown rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Jervoistown, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Jervoistown rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Jervoistown rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Jervoistown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Jervoistown

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy homes

Heating Jervoistown

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

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Jervoistown

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Jervoistown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

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

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Jervoistown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Jervoistown

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Jervoistown include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Jervoistown for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.