Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a 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 one who is letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Linden, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Linden rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Linden rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from the home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building as the home warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Linden

Rental properties in Linden require a reliable source of heat that can heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should have a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Linden

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Linden

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

Property rental areas that are affected by 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 a variety of things to check when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.