Healthy Homes Assessment Breaker Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Breaker Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required 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 in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely 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, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

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

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Breaker Bay, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Breaker Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Breaker Bay rental properties.

Start now and call about the Breaker Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Breaker Bay

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure as the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Breaker Bay

Rental properties in Breaker Bay require a reliable heating source that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. 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 requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Breaker Bay

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Breaker Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

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

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Breaker Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Breaker Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Breaker Bay include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Breaker Bay for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.