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

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under 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 connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about 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 receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Island Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Island Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Island Bay

Rental properties in Island Bay need to have a stable heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Island Bay

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered 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 skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Island Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to allow the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

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

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of 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 Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.