Healthy Homes Assessment Island Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes 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 breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified for both 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Island Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Island Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Island Bay

Rental properties in Island Bay must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest winter days. 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 needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Island Bay

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dried air can be more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Island Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists 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 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

Property rental areas that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.