Healthy Homes Assessment Longlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Longlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 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 to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Longlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Longlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Longlands, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the quality of Longlands rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

Get started now and contact us about getting a Longlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Longlands

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of your home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Longlands

Longlands rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must include an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Longlands

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Longlands

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making more easy for the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

Longlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full 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 to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Longlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Longlands for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.