Healthy Homes Assessment Glengarry

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Glengarry rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done and offer a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Glengarry rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Glengarry rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Glengarry, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Glengarry rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould 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, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Glengarry rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Glengarry Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Glengarry

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps 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 flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from the house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Glengarry

Rental properties in Glengarry need to have a stable heating source that can warm the living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Glengarry

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Glengarry

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

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Glengarry Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having 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 is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Glengarry

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Glengarry include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Glengarry for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.