Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

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 are now required to ensure that their Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Linden, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Linden rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Linden rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Linden

Linden rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the 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 for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must include an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Linden

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside while remaining closed to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Linden

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make much easier to the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must 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 usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

The areas of rental property that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Linden include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.