Healthy Homes Assessment Miramar

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 ensure their Miramar rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to assess each of 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 Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Miramar, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Miramar rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Miramar rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Miramar

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Miramar

Rental properties in Miramar should have a permanent heating source that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Miramar

Every living space of a rental house must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Miramar

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make much easier for the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists 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 – 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Miramar Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Miramar

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Miramar include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Miramar for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property home assessment.