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? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Lochain rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Lochain rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Lochain rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

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

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Lochain, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the quality of Lochain rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Lochain rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lochain

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Lochain

Rental properties in Lochain must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it may require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Lochain

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Lochain

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands 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 – all 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Lochain Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lochain

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. 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 myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.