Healthy Homes Assessment Stokes Valley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Stokes Valley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to 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 can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be completed and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill 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 up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Stokes Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Stokes Valley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Stokes Valley, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Stokes Valley rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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 Stokes Valley rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Stokes Valley

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Stokes Valley

Rental properties in Stokes Valley require a reliable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Stokes Valley

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Stokes Valley

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make it easier to allow the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Stokes Valley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Stokes Valley

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Stokes Valley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Stokes Valley for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

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

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.