Healthy Homes Assessment Longlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Longlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Longlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Longlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person 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 Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Longlands, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Longlands rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Longlands rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Longlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Longlands

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Longlands

Longlands rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended 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 needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it might require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Longlands

Each living space within a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Longlands

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to allow the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs 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 gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Longlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Longlands

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Longlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Longlands for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house 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 ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.