Healthy Homes Assessment Broadmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Broadmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified to evaluate 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Broadmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Broadmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Broadmeadows, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Broadmeadows rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Broadmeadows rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Broadmeadows Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Broadmeadows

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Broadmeadows

Broadmeadows rental properties require a reliable heating source that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Broadmeadows

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air is more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Broadmeadows

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to allow the house to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Broadmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Broadmeadows

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Broadmeadows include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Broadmeadows for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.