Healthy Homes Assessment Island 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 must make sure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Island Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Contact us now to discuss getting a Island Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely a crack 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 let air in or out from your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Island Bay

Island Bay rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it may require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Island Bay

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Island Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task for the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over 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.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during an house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties house assessment.