Healthy Homes Assessment Ascot Park

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 must ensure that their Ascot Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements 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 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on an Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Ascot Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Ascot Park, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Ascot Park rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control for Ascot Park rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Ascot Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Ascot Park

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Ascot Park

Ascot Park rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it could need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Ascot Park

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Ascot Park

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets 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 filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task for the home to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater 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 rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Ascot Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Ascot Park

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Ascot Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Ascot Park for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.