Healthy Homes Assessment Haywards

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that 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 fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to assess 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Haywards rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to remember that landlords who have several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Haywards, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Haywards rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Contact us now to discuss having a Haywards Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Haywards

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A damp house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Haywards

Haywards rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not 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 have a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Haywards

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Haywards

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy for the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 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.

Haywards Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Haywards

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Haywards for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.