Healthy Homes Assessment Judgeford

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Judgeford 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 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 evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to assess 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Judgeford rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Judgeford, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Judgeford rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Judgeford rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Judgeford Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Judgeford

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Judgeford

Rental properties in Judgeford require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it needs to have an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Judgeford

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air is easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Judgeford

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier for the house to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Judgeford Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Judgeford

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standard in Judgeford include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Judgeford for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during an home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.