Healthy Homes Assessment Belmont

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Belmont rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified 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, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Belmont rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Belmont rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present 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.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Belmont, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Belmont rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Belmont rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Belmont

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Belmont

Belmont rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it could require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Belmont

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Belmont

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Belmont Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Belmont

Property rental areas that are affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Belmont include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Belmont for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.