Healthy Homes Assessment Hastings

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Hastings rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Hastings rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Hastings rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Hastings, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the quality of Hastings rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Hastings rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Hastings Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Hastings

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Hastings

Hastings rental properties need to have a stable heating source which can warm the living space to a minimum of 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 outlook.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to have a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Hastings

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Hastings

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Hastings Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Hastings

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Hastings include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Hastings for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.