Healthy Homes Assessment Flaxmere

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Flaxmere rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified to evaluate 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Flaxmere rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Flaxmere, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Flaxmere rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Flaxmere rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Flaxmere Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Flaxmere

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A damp house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Flaxmere

Flaxmere rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might just require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Flaxmere

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Flaxmere

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to allow the house to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Flaxmere Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from 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 quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Flaxmere

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Flaxmere include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Flaxmere for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during a house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today and book your rental properties house evaluation.