Healthy Homes Assessment Flaxmere

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Flaxmere rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely compliant 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 and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place 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.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Flaxmere, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Flaxmere rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Flaxmere rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Flaxmere Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Flaxmere

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into the house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Flaxmere

Flaxmere rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it could need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Flaxmere

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Flaxmere

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier to the household to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Flaxmere Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Flaxmere

Property rental areas that are affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Flaxmere include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Flaxmere for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.