Healthy Homes Assessment Avalon

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Avalon rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Avalon rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Avalon, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Avalon rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for 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 Draught Control for Avalon rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Avalon

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Avalon

Avalon rental properties should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Avalon

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

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

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Avalon

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Avalon Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of 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 through The Healthy Homes Standards in Avalon include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Avalon for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.