Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work that needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is important to be aware that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of 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 indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Linden rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Linden rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Linden

Linden rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Linden

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Linden

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the household to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

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

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standard in Linden include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.