Healthy Homes Assessment Oriental Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Oriental Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that requirements to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Oriental Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Oriental Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to 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 supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an home assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Oriental Bay, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Oriental Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Oriental Bay rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Oriental Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Oriental Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into the home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Oriental Bay

Rental properties in Oriental Bay should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Oriental Bay

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Oriental Bay

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Oriental Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Oriental Bay

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Oriental Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Oriental Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough 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 the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.