Healthy Homes Assessment Glenside

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Glenside rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Glenside rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Glenside rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved 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 hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Glenside, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Glenside rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Glenside rental properties.

Start now and call about the Glenside Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Glenside

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A cold home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being houses

Heating Glenside

Glenside rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Glenside

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Glenside

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier to the house to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

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

Glenside Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

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

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Glenside

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Glenside include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Glenside for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.