Healthy Homes Assessment Manor Park

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 are now required to ensure that their Manor Park rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals 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 assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Manor Park, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Manor Park rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Manor Park rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Manor Park Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Manor Park

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Manor Park

Manor Park rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Manor Park

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs at least to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Manor Park

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy for the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Manor Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Manor Park

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Manor Park include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Manor Park for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.