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? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Melrose rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 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’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess each of 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Melrose rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Melrose, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Melrose rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance 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 on Melrose rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Melrose

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Melrose

Melrose rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Melrose

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Melrose

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task for the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Melrose Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the 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 in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of this 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 Standard in Melrose include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Melrose for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.