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 July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Breaker Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified for both 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 done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Breaker Bay, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Breaker Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Breaker Bay rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Breaker Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Breaker Bay

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Breaker Bay

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

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Breaker Bay

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air is less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

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

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Breaker Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make it easier for the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Breaker Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Breaker Bay

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard 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 many things you should look for during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.