Healthy Homes Assessment Maungaraki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Maungaraki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any 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 assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Maungaraki rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Maungaraki rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Maungaraki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will examine the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Maungaraki

Maungaraki rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Maungaraki

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task for the house to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. 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 Maungaraki

Property rental areas that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Maungaraki include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maungaraki for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.