Healthy Homes Assessment Glenside

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Glenside rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st 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 to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Glenside rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Glenside, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Glenside rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Glenside rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Glenside Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Glenside

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Glenside

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

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Glenside

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Glenside

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Glenside Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Glenside

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Glenside include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Glenside for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.