Healthy Homes Assessment Flaxmere

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Flaxmere rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’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 any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request a house evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Flaxmere, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the quality of Flaxmere rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. 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 list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Flaxmere rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Flaxmere

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A damp house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Flaxmere

Rental properties in Flaxmere require a reliable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Flaxmere

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Flaxmere

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

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; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Flaxmere

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standard in Flaxmere include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Flaxmere for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.