Healthy Homes Assessment Avalon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea 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 a renewed or new 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 can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet 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 agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Avalon rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping within Avalon rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Avalon Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Avalon

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the home warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door in 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 Avalon

Rental properties in Avalon need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Avalon

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least to open to the outside and remain closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Avalon

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist 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 area of 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Avalon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Avalon

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Avalon include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Avalon for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during an home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.