Healthy Homes Assessment Lower Hutt

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Lower Hutt rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information 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 found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties and are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

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 Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Lower Hutt, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Lower Hutt rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Lower Hutt rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Lower Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lower Hutt

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A humid house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can 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 coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Lower Hutt

Lower Hutt rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require 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 acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Lower Hutt

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Lower Hutt

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Lower Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lower Hutt

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Lower Hutt include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lower Hutt for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor 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 house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.