Healthy Homes Assessment Frimley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Frimley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Frimley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Frimley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment done 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?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Frimley, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Frimley rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Frimley rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Frimley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Frimley

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Frimley

Frimley rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Frimley

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Frimley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Frimley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Frimley

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Frimley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Frimley for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine in a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today to book your rental properties home evaluation.