Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The 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 rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with 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 $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description 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 homes in New Zealand and Linden, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Linden rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Linden rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Linden

Rental properties in Linden must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like the heat pump, it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Linden

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Linden

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to allow the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of The 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 Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Linden include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.