Healthy Homes Assessment Breaker Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure their Breaker Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Breaker Bay, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Breaker Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Breaker Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Breaker Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Breaker Bay

Rental properties in Breaker Bay need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it may require an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Breaker Bay

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Breaker Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, 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 dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Breaker Bay

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Breaker Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Breaker Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during an home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.