Healthy Homes Assessment Avalon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Avalon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Avalon, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Avalon rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Avalon rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Avalon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Avalon

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows in our 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 well-being homes

Heating Avalon

Rental properties in Avalon must have a fixed heating source which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended 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 be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Avalon

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Avalon

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to the household to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands 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 North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Avalon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Avalon

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Avalon include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Avalon for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.