Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

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? Landlords must make sure their Linden rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Linden, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the quality of Linden rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping within Linden rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out into your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Linden

Linden rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Linden

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Linden

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the home to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.