Healthy Homes Assessment Maoribank

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant 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 requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under 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, as well as fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on the Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Maoribank, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Maoribank rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Maoribank rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the household is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Maoribank

Maoribank rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it could need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is about recognising how dried air can be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Maoribank

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to the home to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maoribank

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Maoribank include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check during an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.