Healthy Homes Assessment Bay View

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

The subjects covered in 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that requirements to be completed, 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 in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Bay View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Bay View rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional penalty or 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 property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Bay View, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Bay View rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Bay View rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Bay View Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Bay View

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from the home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Bay View

Bay View rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Bay View

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Bay View

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better 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, 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Bay View Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Bay View

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Bay View include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Bay View for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.