Healthy Homes Assessment Riverstone Terraces

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Riverstone Terraces rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must 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 assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete 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 who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties and are completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Riverstone Terraces rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Riverstone Terraces, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Riverstone Terraces rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Riverstone Terraces rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Riverstone Terraces Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Riverstone Terraces

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Riverstone Terraces

Riverstone Terraces rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed 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 small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Riverstone Terraces

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Riverstone Terraces

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make more easy to the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Riverstone Terraces Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Riverstone Terraces include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Riverstone Terraces for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.