Healthy Homes Assessment Island Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to 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 assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be done and provide the report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Island Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Begin now by calling about getting a Island Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy homes

Heating Island Bay

Rental properties in Island Bay should have a permanent heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Island Bay

Each liveable space in a rental house must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. 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 needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Island Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make much easier for the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands 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 part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

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

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Island Bay include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.