Healthy Homes Assessment Hastings Central

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Hastings Central 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 are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Hastings Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Hastings Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Hastings Central rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Hastings Central rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Hastings Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hastings Central

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will test every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Hastings Central

Rental properties in Hastings Central must have a fixed heating source which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should have an 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, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Hastings Central

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Hastings Central

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of 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

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

Hastings Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hastings Central

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Hastings Central include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hastings Central for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has 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 that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.