Healthy Homes Assessment Miramar

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Miramar rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in 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 is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished 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 taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Miramar, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Miramar rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Miramar rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting 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 humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Miramar

Miramar rental properties 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 coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must have an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Miramar

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Miramar

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier to the home to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Miramar Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Miramar

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Miramar include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Miramar for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.