Healthy Homes Assessment Melrose

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Melrose rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Melrose rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will be issued 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 that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person renting 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 when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties 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, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Melrose, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Melrose rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Melrose rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Melrose

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows as part of 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 healthy homes

Heating Melrose

Melrose rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Melrose

Each living space within a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Melrose

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Melrose Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Melrose

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Melrose include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Melrose for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.