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 now have to ensure their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to 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 can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Island Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Island Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Island Bay

Rental properties in Island Bay must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it may need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Island Bay

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Island Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to allow the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• 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 quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.