Healthy Homes Assessment Island 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 make sure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any 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 your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting 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 home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Island Bay, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Island Bay rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Island Bay rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Island Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Island Bay

Rental properties in Island Bay should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to have an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Island Bay

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air is much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Island Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier to allow the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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, underfloor R 1.3

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

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Island Bay include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.