Healthy Homes Assessment Melling

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 Melling rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be done, and offer the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified for 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Melling rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Melling rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Melling, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Melling rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Melling rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Melling

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Melling

Melling rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Melling

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Melling

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Melling Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Melling

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Melling include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Melling for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.