Healthy Homes Assessment Longlands

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Longlands rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Longlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Longlands rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the standard of Longlands rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Longlands rental properties.

Start now and call about the Longlands Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Longlands

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of your home require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Longlands

Longlands rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source, like the heat pump, it may require an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Longlands

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Longlands

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make much easier for the house to retain heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Longlands Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Longlands

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Longlands include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Longlands for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property house assessment.