Healthy Homes Assessment Flaxmere

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Flaxmere 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 must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Flaxmere, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Flaxmere rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Flaxmere rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Flaxmere Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Flaxmere

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes which 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 house is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being houses

Heating Flaxmere

Flaxmere rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Flaxmere

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Flaxmere

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier for the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure 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 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Flaxmere Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Flaxmere

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Flaxmere for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during an house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.