Healthy Homes Assessment Island Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Island Bay, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Island Bay rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Island Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the household warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Island Bay

Island Bay rental properties require a reliable heating source that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Island Bay

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Island Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside 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 also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Island Bay

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with the Healthy Homes Standards in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.