Healthy Homes Assessment Island Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Island Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified for each of 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 for an Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Island Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a house assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Island Bay, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Island Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Island Bay rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Island Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Island Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Island Bay

Rental properties in Island Bay must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Island Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Island Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and it will make it easier for the house to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Island Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of The 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 by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Island Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Island Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental property home assessment.