Healthy Homes Assessment Miramar

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Miramar rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Miramar, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Miramar rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Miramar rental properties.

Start now and call about the Miramar Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Miramar

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within your house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Miramar

Rental properties in Miramar need to have a stable source of heating 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 indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should include the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it could require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Miramar

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air will be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Miramar

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Miramar Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Miramar

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Miramar for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.