Healthy Homes Assessment Brooklyn

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Brooklyn 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 completely compliant 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 whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Brooklyn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Brooklyn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed 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 live in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property, 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 current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to note that landlords who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Brooklyn, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Brooklyn rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Brooklyn rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Brooklyn Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Brooklyn

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of your house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building when the household is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check 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 crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Brooklyn

Brooklyn rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it might require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Brooklyn

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Brooklyn

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent houses from 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 cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to allow the house to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Brooklyn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Brooklyn

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Brooklyn include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Brooklyn for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient 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 an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.