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 must ensure that their Glenside rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Glenside rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the 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 expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Glenside, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Glenside rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means 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-stopping on Glenside rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Glenside

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or 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 is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for 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 heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it could require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Glenside

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Glenside

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

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

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

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

Glenside Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this 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 through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Glenside include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Glenside for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for in an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.