Healthy Homes Assessment Broadmeadows

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 now have to make sure their Broadmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 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’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Broadmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Broadmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Broadmeadows, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Broadmeadows rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Broadmeadows rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Broadmeadows Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Broadmeadows

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Broadmeadows

Rental properties in Broadmeadows require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Broadmeadows

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

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

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

Each window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Broadmeadows

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the house to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements 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 more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of 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, underfloor R 1.3

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

Broadmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Broadmeadows

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Broadmeadows include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Broadmeadows for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.