Healthy Homes Assessment Lochain

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Lochain rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 will assess 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 of the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Lochain rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Lochain rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Lochain, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Lochain rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Lochain rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Lochain Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lochain

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building when the house heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Lochain

Lochain rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it needs to have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Lochain

Every living space of a rental home must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dried air can be more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a 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 dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Lochain

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to allow the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Lochain Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lochain

Rental property areas affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Lochain include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lochain for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home evaluation.