Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

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 Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas 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 standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details 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 the property in New Zealand and Linden, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Linden rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Linden rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being houses

Heating Linden

Linden rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should have a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Linden

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Linden

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task for the household to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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 Linden

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Linden include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.