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 of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Maoribank, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Maoribank rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Maoribank rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Maoribank Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Maoribank

Rental properties in Maoribank must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maoribank

Each liveable space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside and remain closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Maoribank

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy to the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 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 moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maoribank

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Maoribank include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.