Healthy Homes Assessment Broadmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Broadmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Broadmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment done for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Broadmeadows, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Broadmeadows rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs 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 stopping within Broadmeadows rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Broadmeadows Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Broadmeadows

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in 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 sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Broadmeadows

Broadmeadows rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Broadmeadows

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air will be easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside and remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate 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 comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Broadmeadows

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make more easy for the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Broadmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Broadmeadows

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Broadmeadows include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Broadmeadows for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for during the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.