Healthy Homes Assessment Breaker Bay

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 now have to make sure their Breaker Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be done, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Breaker Bay, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Breaker Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Breaker Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Breaker Bay

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Breaker Bay

Rental properties in Breaker Bay must have a fixed heating source that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it could need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Breaker Bay

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Breaker Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Breaker Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Breaker Bay

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Breaker Bay include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Breaker Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• 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 in the wrong of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.