Healthy Homes Assessment Lyall Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Lyall 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 compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be completed and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely certified to assess 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on the Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine 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 fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate 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 tenancy agreement as the one who is letting 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 needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Lyall Bay, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the standard of Lyall Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Lyall Bay rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Lyall Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lyall Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within the house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Lyall Bay

Lyall Bay rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, 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 wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Lyall Bay

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Lyall Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes it easier for the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Lyall Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lyall Bay

Property rental areas that are affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Lyall Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lyall Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation 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 an tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.