Healthy Homes Assessment Frimley

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Frimley rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified for both 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Frimley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Frimley rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Frimley, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Frimley rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Frimley rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Frimley Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Frimley

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Frimley

Frimley rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Frimley

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside and remain closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Frimley

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

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

Frimley Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s 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 entering the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Frimley

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Frimley include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Frimley for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.