Healthy Homes Assessment Brown Owl

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Brown Owl rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Brown Owl rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Brown Owl rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Brown Owl rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Brown Owl rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Brown Owl

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the house need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors in your 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 well-being houses

Heating Brown Owl

Rental properties in Brown Owl must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to have the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Brown Owl

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Brown Owl

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make more easy for the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Brown Owl Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Brown Owl

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Brown Owl include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Brown Owl for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.