Healthy Homes Assessment Days 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 must ensure that their Days Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified to evaluate 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Days Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Days Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Days Bay, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Days Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Days Bay rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Days Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Days Bay

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Days Bay

Rental properties in Days Bay must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Days Bay

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Days Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Days Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Days Bay

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Days Bay include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Days Bay for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during an house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.