Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Haywards rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Haywards, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Haywards rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Haywards rental properties.

Start now and call about the Haywards Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haywards

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside homes. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Haywards

Haywards rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to have the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require an update to meet 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 or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Haywards

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air is easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Haywards

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haywards

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Haywards include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property home evaluation.