Healthy Homes Assessment Stokes Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Stokes Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 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 to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’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 landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Stokes Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Stokes Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who 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 the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Stokes Valley, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Stokes Valley rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Stokes Valley rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Stokes Valley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Stokes Valley

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A damp home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within your home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Stokes Valley

Rental properties in Stokes Valley require a reliable heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Stokes Valley

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dried air can be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Stokes Valley

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy to the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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.

Stokes Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Stokes Valley

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Stokes Valley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Stokes Valley for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.