Healthy Homes Assessment Moera

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure their Moera rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must 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 evaluate your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely certified for both 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Moera rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Moera rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Moera, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Moera rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Moera rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Moera Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Moera

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. 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 off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Moera

Moera rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 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 health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it may require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Moera

Every living space of a rental home must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Moera

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Moera Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Moera

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Moera include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Moera for Rental Properties

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

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.