Healthy Homes Assessment Eastbourne

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Eastbourne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 will assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’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 landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to evaluate 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 for an Eastbourne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any 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 currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Eastbourne, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Eastbourne rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Eastbourne rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Eastbourne

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Eastbourne

Eastbourne rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might just require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Eastbourne

Each liveable space in a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Eastbourne

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to allow the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Eastbourne Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Eastbourne

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Eastbourne include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Eastbourne for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.