Healthy Homes Assessment Jervoistown

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Jervoistown 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 will assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Jervoistown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Jervoistown, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the quality of Jervoistown rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Jervoistown rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Jervoistown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Jervoistown

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Jervoistown

Rental properties in Jervoistown need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just need an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Jervoistown

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air is easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Jervoistown

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task for the home to retain heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Jervoistown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able 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 has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Jervoistown

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Jervoistown include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Jervoistown for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house assessment.