Healthy Homes Assessment Manor Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Manor Park 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 by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Manor Park, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Manor Park rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Manor Park rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Manor Park

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Manor Park

Rental properties in Manor Park require a reliable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in 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 whether the fix 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 aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Manor Park

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Manor Park

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the home to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

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

Manor Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Manor Park

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with The 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 when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.