Healthy Homes Assessment Manor Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to be aware that landlords who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Manor Park, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Manor Park rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Manor Park rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Manor Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Manor Park

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Manor Park

Manor Park rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. 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 a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Manor Park

Each living space within a rental house must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Manor Park

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making more easy to the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Manor Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Manor Park

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Manor Park include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Manor Park for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.