Healthy Homes Assessment Lyall 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 must ensure that their Lyall Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Lyall Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request an home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Lyall Bay, 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 the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Lyall Bay rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better 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, as well as Draught stopping in Lyall Bay rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lyall Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Lyall Bay

Rental properties in Lyall Bay must have a fixed heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Lyall Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Lyall Bay

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task for the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• 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 floor R 1.3
• 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 standard.

Lyall Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lyall Bay

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lyall Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.