Healthy Homes Assessment Linden

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to 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 rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely 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 brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Linden rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request an home assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Linden, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Linden rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Start now and call about getting a Linden Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Linden

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Linden

Rental properties in Linden should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Linden

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Linden

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier for the home to hold warmth.

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

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

• 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 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

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

Linden Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Linden

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Linden include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Linden for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental properties home assessment.