Healthy Homes Assessment Days Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Days Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified to evaluate each of 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Days Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Days Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Days Bay, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Days Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Days Bay rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Days Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Days Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Days Bay

Days Bay rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Days Bay

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Days Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to the household to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Days Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Days Bay

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Days Bay include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Days Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.