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 effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with 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 breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

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

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Island Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Start now and call about having a Island Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Island Bay

Island Bay rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 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 heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might just require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Island Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Island Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make more easy to allow the house to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a 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 the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about 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 by the Healthy Homes Standards 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 a variety of concerns to look over during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental property house assessment.