Healthy Homes Assessment Lochain

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete 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 in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Lochain rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a house assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Lochain, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Lochain rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Lochain rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Lochain Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lochain

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Lochain

Lochain rental properties require a reliable heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your living space already has a central heating source, like heat pumps, it might need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Lochain

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Lochain

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Lochain Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lochain

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Lochain include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lochain for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.