Healthy Homes Assessment Oriental Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Oriental Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Oriental Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Oriental Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with 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 currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Oriental Bay, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the standard of Oriental Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Oriental Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Oriental Bay

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Oriental Bay

Rental properties in Oriental Bay need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it could need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Oriental Bay

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

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Oriental Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to allow the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher 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 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Oriental Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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 Oriental Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Oriental Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Oriental Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check when conducting an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.