Healthy Homes Assessment Maoribank

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified to assess 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 brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

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

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Maoribank, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Maoribank rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Contact us now to discuss getting a Maoribank Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Maoribank

Maoribank rental properties need to have a stable heating source which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough 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 quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Maoribank

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the household to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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

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

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maoribank

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Maoribank include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.