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 of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Island Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance 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, as well as 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 dropping temperatures within households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Island Bay

Island Bay rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Island Bay

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Island Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.