Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure their Haywards rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done and provide the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation 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 $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Haywards, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Haywards rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for 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 can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Haywards

Haywards rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include 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 will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it could require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Haywards

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Haywards

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to the household to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haywards

The areas of rental property that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Haywards include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the 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 landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.