Healthy Homes Assessment Bridge Pā

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Bridge Pā rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified for 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 finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Bridge Pā rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting 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 requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Bridge Pā, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Bridge Pā rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping on Bridge Pā rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Bridge Pā

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building when the house is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Bridge Pā

Rental properties in Bridge Pā must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire 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 should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Bridge Pā

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Bridge Pā

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Bridge Pā Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Bridge Pā

The areas of rental property that are affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Bridge Pā include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Bridge Pā for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.