Healthy Homes Assessment Oriental Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of 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.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Oriental Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Oriental Bay, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Oriental Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Oriental Bay rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Oriental Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Oriental Bay

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Oriental Bay

Oriental Bay rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. 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 heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Oriental Bay

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Oriental Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Oriental Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require 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 has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Oriental Bay

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standard in Oriental Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Oriental Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.