Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Judgeford rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas 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. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Judgeford, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Judgeford rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Judgeford rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Judgeford

Rental properties in Judgeford should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient 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 to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Judgeford

Every living space in a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Judgeford

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier for the house to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Judgeford include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.