Healthy Homes Assessment Elderslea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Elderslea 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 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on an Elderslea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on an Elderslea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Elderslea, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the standard of Elderslea rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Elderslea rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Elderslea

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into the house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Elderslea

Rental properties in Elderslea should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Elderslea

Each living space within a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Elderslea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Elderslea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Elderslea

The areas of rental property that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Elderslea include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Elderslea for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.