Healthy Homes Assessment Bridge Pā

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Bridge Pā rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Bridge Pā rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Bridge Pā rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Bridge Pā, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Bridge Pā rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Get started now and contact us about getting a Bridge Pā Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Bridge Pā

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Bridge Pā

Bridge Pā rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might just require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Bridge Pā

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Bridge Pā

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor 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 quality.

Bridge Pā Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent 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 Bridge Pā

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Bridge Pā include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Bridge Pā for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.