Healthy Homes Assessment Tomoana

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Tomoana rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Tomoana rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Tomoana rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Tomoana, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Tomoana rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Tomoana rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Tomoana Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Tomoana

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A humid house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

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 from a gap or hole, then it is probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Tomoana

Rental properties in Tomoana should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), 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 the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must include the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might just require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Tomoana

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

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

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs at least open to the outside and remain closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Tomoana

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental 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 quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to the household to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Tomoana Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Tomoana

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Tomoana include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Tomoana for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.