Healthy Homes Assessment Elderslea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Elderslea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Elderslea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Elderslea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Elderslea, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Elderslea rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Elderslea rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Elderslea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Elderslea

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A damp home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Elderslea

Rental properties in Elderslea should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

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

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

Ventilation Elderslea

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

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

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Elderslea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to allow the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists 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 – The rest part 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Elderslea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Elderslea

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Elderslea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Elderslea for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.