Healthy Homes Assessment Lyall Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Lyall Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can 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 adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Lyall Bay, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Lyall Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Lyall Bay rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Lyall Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lyall Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the house heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Lyall Bay

Rental properties in Lyall Bay should have a permanent heating source which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Lyall Bay

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Lyall Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task for the home to keep the heat.

Insulation needs 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 withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Lyall Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor 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 Lyall Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Lyall Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lyall Bay for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for in a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.