Healthy Homes Assessment Brooklyn

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Brooklyn rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Brooklyn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Brooklyn, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the standard of Brooklyn rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Brooklyn rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Brooklyn

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be 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 getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from the home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Brooklyn

Brooklyn rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Brooklyn

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how dried air can be much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, and stay closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Brooklyn

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to allow the house to keep the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Brooklyn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected 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 prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Brooklyn

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Brooklyn for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.