Healthy Homes Assessment Oriental Bay

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 must make sure their Oriental Bay rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Oriental Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on an Oriental Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Oriental Bay, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Oriental Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

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 in Oriental Bay rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Oriental Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Oriental Bay

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes 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 that is, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Oriental Bay

Oriental Bay rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Oriental Bay

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

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

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Oriental Bay

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to allow the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Oriental Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Oriental Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Oriental Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Oriental Bay for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does 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 consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.