Healthy Homes Assessment Maungaraki

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? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Maungaraki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request a home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Maungaraki rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Maungaraki rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Maungaraki

Maungaraki rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended 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 have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new 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 you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs at least open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that 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 house is a healthy home

Insulation Maungaraki

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

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

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maungaraki

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with The Healthy Homes Standards in Maungaraki include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maungaraki for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.