Healthy Homes Assessment Oriental 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? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Oriental Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

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

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Oriental Bay, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Oriental Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Oriental Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Oriental Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Oriental Bay

Oriental Bay rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Oriental Bay

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that vent out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation 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 Oriental Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Oriental Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Oriental Bay

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Oriental Bay for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.