Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Linden, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Linden rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Linden rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Linden

Linden rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Linden

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be 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 rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Linden

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy to allow the home to retain heat.

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

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

• 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the 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

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

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

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

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

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Linden include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.