Healthy Homes Assessment Woolwich

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? Landlords must ensure their Woolwich rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified 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, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Woolwich rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Woolwich rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation 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 supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Woolwich, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Woolwich rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Woolwich rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Woolwich Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Woolwich

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Woolwich

Rental properties in Woolwich need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Woolwich

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Woolwich

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the home to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Woolwich Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Woolwich

The areas of rental property that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Woolwich include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Woolwich for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.