Healthy Homes Assessment Island Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely certified to assess 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Island Bay, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Island Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Island Bay rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Island Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and 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 which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Island Bay

Island Bay rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable 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 openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight needs at least to open to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Island Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to allow the home to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.