Healthy Homes Assessment Lochain

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure 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 must be completely 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified 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 on a Lochain rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Lochain, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Lochain rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Lochain rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lochain

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within your home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Lochain

Lochain rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Lochain

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Lochain

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to allow the house to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Lochain Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lochain

Property rental areas that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Lochain include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lochain for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.