Healthy Homes Assessment Brooklyn

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Brooklyn rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Brooklyn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Brooklyn, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the quality of Brooklyn rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Brooklyn rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Brooklyn Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Brooklyn

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your house need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will check all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Brooklyn

Brooklyn rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest 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 heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it might just need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Brooklyn

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Brooklyn

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier for the house to retain the heat.

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

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

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Brooklyn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed 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, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Brooklyn

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Brooklyn include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Brooklyn for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during the home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home assessment.