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 now have to ensure their Melling rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed 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 can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’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 any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Melling rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Melling rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date 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’s crucial to note that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Melling, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Melling rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Melling rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Melling

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Melling

Melling rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Melling

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Melling

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist 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 – all part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Melling Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Melling

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Melling include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Melling for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.