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 July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under 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 healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for both 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation 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 landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Linden, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Linden rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Begin now by calling about having a Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Linden

Linden rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Linden

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that dried air can be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Linden

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the house to keep heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring 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 sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standards in Linden include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.