Healthy Homes Assessment Riverstone Terraces

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Riverstone Terraces rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check 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 which needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified for 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Riverstone Terraces, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Riverstone Terraces rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Riverstone Terraces rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Riverstone Terraces Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Riverstone Terraces

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Riverstone Terraces

Rental properties in Riverstone Terraces must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the 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 outlook.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it might require a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Riverstone Terraces

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Riverstone Terraces

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to the home to hold warmth.

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 the insulation can withstand 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 part 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Riverstone Terraces Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standards in Riverstone Terraces include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.