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 of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Flaxmere rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or 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 the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out which 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 accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Flaxmere, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Flaxmere rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

Start now and call about getting a Flaxmere Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Flaxmere

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within the house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Flaxmere

Rental properties in Flaxmere should have a permanent heating source that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 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 heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it could require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Flaxmere

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Flaxmere

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to allow the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

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

Flaxmere Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent 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 through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Flaxmere include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Flaxmere for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check during the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.