Healthy Homes Assessment Avalon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Avalon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Avalon 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 inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Avalon, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Avalon rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Avalon rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Avalon

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Avalon

Rental properties in Avalon need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended 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) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Avalon

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising that dried air can be more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-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 hallways are not liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

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

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Avalon

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier to the household to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor 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

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

Avalon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Avalon

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Avalon for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check in an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.