Healthy Homes Assessment Lochain

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Lochain rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done, and offer the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to assess 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 brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Lochain rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Lochain, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Lochain rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Lochain rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Lochain Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lochain

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy homes

Heating Lochain

Rental properties in Lochain require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Lochain

Every living space of a rental home must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Lochain

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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

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

Lochain Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lochain

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with the Healthy Homes Standard in Lochain include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lochain for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.