Healthy Homes Assessment Melling

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Melling rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties 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 can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely certified to assess each of 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Melling rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Melling, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Melling rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Melling rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Melling Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Melling

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Melling

Melling rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Melling

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing 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 require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Melling

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that 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 might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes more easy for the household to hold heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Melling Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

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 home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 Melling

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Melling include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Melling for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.