Healthy Homes Assessment Elderslea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure 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 rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 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 determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Elderslea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Elderslea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Elderslea, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Elderslea rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

Begin now by calling about receiving a Elderslea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Elderslea

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or 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 a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of your 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 well-being houses

Heating Elderslea

Elderslea rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it might just require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Elderslea

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Elderslea

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Elderslea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Elderslea

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Elderslea include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Elderslea for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine in the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties house evaluation.