Healthy Homes Assessment Lyall Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Lyall Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified for 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Lyall Bay, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Lyall Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs 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, and Draught Control for Lyall Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lyall Bay

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Lyall Bay

Rental properties in Lyall Bay require a reliable heating source that can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Lyall Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Lyall Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to the house to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet 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 can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Lyall Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also assists 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 Lyall Bay

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Lyall Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lyall Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine in the house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.