Healthy Homes Assessment Trentham

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Trentham rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide the report with all the necessary information 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 breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified to assess 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Trentham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Trentham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Trentham, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the standard of Trentham rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Trentham rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Trentham Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Trentham

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

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which 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 shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Trentham

Rental properties in Trentham need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Trentham

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Trentham

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy to the home to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Trentham Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

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

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Trentham

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Trentham include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Trentham for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need 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 the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.