Healthy Homes Assessment Frasertown

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 must ensure their Frasertown 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 must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Frasertown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on the Frasertown rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Frasertown, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Frasertown rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Frasertown rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Frasertown Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Frasertown

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Frasertown

Rental properties in Frasertown must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Frasertown

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Frasertown

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task to the house to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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, underfloor R 1.3

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

Frasertown Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Frasertown

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Frasertown include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Frasertown for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.