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 in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Hastings Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Hastings Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Hastings Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request an home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Hastings Central, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Hastings Central rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less 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, as well as Draught Stopping within Hastings Central rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Hastings Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hastings Central

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A humid house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Hastings Central

Rental properties in Hastings Central must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Hastings Central

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

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

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Hastings Central

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier to the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Hastings Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hastings Central

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with the Healthy Homes Standards in Hastings Central include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hastings Central for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.