Healthy Homes Assessment Maupuia

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 are now required to make sure that their Maupuia 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 fully 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 evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Maupuia, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Maupuia rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Maupuia rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Maupuia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maupuia

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building when the household heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Maupuia

Rental properties in Maupuia need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maupuia

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Maupuia

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task for the household to keep the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maupuia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maupuia

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Maupuia include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maupuia for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine when conducting an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.