Healthy Homes Assessment Longlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Longlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

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 Longlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Longlands, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Longlands rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Longlands rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Longlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Longlands

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the household heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Longlands

Longlands rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have a thermostat. This will help 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 needed. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Longlands

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation 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 quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Longlands

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

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

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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.

Longlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Longlands

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Longlands include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Longlands for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.