Healthy Homes Assessment Breaker 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 Breaker Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Breaker Bay, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Breaker Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower 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, as well Draught stopping on Breaker Bay rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Breaker Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Breaker Bay

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A damp home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will test all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Breaker Bay

Rental properties in Breaker Bay must have a fixed heating source which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should include a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it might require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Breaker Bay

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Breaker Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier to allow the household to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Breaker Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Breaker Bay

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Breaker Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Breaker Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over in a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.