Healthy Homes Assessment Glenside

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Glenside rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas 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 about any tasks required. requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

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

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Glenside rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Glenside rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of this law. 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 Glenside, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Glenside rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Glenside rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Glenside Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Glenside

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into the home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

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

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Glenside

Rental properties in Glenside require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it could need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Glenside

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding how dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Glenside

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

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

Glenside Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Glenside

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Glenside for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check in a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.