Healthy Homes Assessment Breaker 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 must make sure that their Breaker Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Breaker Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Breaker 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 by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding 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 necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Breaker Bay, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Breaker Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Breaker Bay rental properties.

Start now and call about the Breaker Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Breaker Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Breaker Bay

Rental properties in Breaker Bay should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like the heat pump, it may require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Breaker Bay

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Breaker Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the house to retain heat.

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

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

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Breaker Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Breaker Bay

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Breaker Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Breaker Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.