Healthy Homes Assessment Manor Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Manor Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Manor Park, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Manor Park rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Manor Park rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Manor Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Manor Park

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Manor Park

Rental properties in Manor Park require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Manor Park

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Manor Park

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy to the house to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Manor Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

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

See the full details of The 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Manor Park include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Manor Park for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine during an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.