Healthy Homes Assessment Island Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After 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 to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, 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 are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Island Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Island Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A cold house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Island Bay

Rental properties in Island Bay require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Island Bay

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Island Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make much easier for the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist 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 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Island 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 also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

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

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house 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 Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home evaluation.