Healthy Homes Assessment Maungaraki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Maungaraki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified for 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 new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Maungaraki rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Maungaraki rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Maungaraki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A humid house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the house need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Maungaraki

Maungaraki rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Maungaraki

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier for the household to hold heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your 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 Maungaraki

The areas of rental property that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Maungaraki include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maungaraki for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.