Healthy Homes Assessment Plimmerton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Plimmerton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for 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

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Plimmerton, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Plimmerton rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Plimmerton rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Plimmerton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Plimmerton

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Plimmerton

Rental properties in Plimmerton must have a fixed heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it needs to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Plimmerton

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Plimmerton

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Plimmerton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing 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 Plimmerton

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Plimmerton for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over when conducting a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, 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 could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.