Healthy Homes Assessment Clouston Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Clouston Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Clouston Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Clouston Park, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Clouston Park rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Clouston Park rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Clouston Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Clouston Park

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Clouston Park

Clouston Park rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fix 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 for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Clouston Park

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Clouston Park

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task for the home to hold warmth.

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

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

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Clouston Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Clouston Park

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Clouston Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Clouston Park for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.