Healthy Homes Assessment Roys Hill

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Roys Hill rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties 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 can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done and provide the report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Roys Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Roys Hill rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Roys Hill, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Roys Hill rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control in Roys Hill rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Roys Hill Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Roys Hill

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable 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 an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Roys Hill

Roys Hill rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Roys Hill

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Roys Hill

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier for the house to retain the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Roys Hill Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Roys Hill

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Roys Hill include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Roys Hill for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.