Healthy Homes Assessment Eastbourne

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 ensure their Eastbourne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Eastbourne, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Eastbourne rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Eastbourne rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Eastbourne Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Eastbourne

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Eastbourne

Rental properties in Eastbourne must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Eastbourne

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Eastbourne

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Eastbourne Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent 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 Eastbourne

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with The Healthy Homes Standard in Eastbourne include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Eastbourne for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.