Healthy Homes Assessment Broadmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Broadmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 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 the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide a report with 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 under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found 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, in addition, we’re fully certified 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Broadmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be 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 even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental 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 compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Broadmeadows, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Broadmeadows rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Broadmeadows rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Broadmeadows Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Broadmeadows

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Broadmeadows

Broadmeadows rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it may require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Broadmeadows

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dried air can be more easy to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Broadmeadows

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making more easy to the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Broadmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Broadmeadows

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Broadmeadows include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Broadmeadows for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.