Healthy Homes Assessment Silverstream

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Silverstream rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess each of 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 tenancy is signed on a Silverstream rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on a Silverstream rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords with several rental properties can face 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 even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Silverstream, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Silverstream rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Silverstream rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Silverstream Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Silverstream

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the household warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows 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 to ensure healthy homes

Heating Silverstream

Silverstream rental properties require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Silverstream

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

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

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Silverstream

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to allow the house to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Silverstream Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Silverstream

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Silverstream include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Silverstream for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check during an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.