Healthy Homes Assessment Glenside

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Glenside 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Glenside rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Glenside, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Glenside rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Glenside rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Glenside

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A cold house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building as the household warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Glenside

Rental properties in Glenside need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Glenside

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Glenside

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy for the home to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Glenside Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Glenside

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Glenside include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Glenside for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.