Healthy Homes Assessment Manor Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Manor Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Manor Park, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the quality of Manor Park rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Manor Park rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Manor Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Manor Park

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A humid home costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

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 and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your home need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Manor Park

Rental properties in Manor Park must have a fixed heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the 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) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it might just need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Manor Park

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Manor Park

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

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to the home to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Manor Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Manor Park

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Manor Park include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Manor Park for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.