Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in 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 requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in 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 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and 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 an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Linden, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Linden rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Linden rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Linden

Rental properties in Linden need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it needs to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it could need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Linden

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Linden

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task for the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Linden include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.