Healthy Homes Assessment Manor Park

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Manor Park rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the 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.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Manor Park, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Manor Park rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Manor Park rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Manor Park

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the household is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Manor Park

Manor Park rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC 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 heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Manor Park

Each living space within a rental house must 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 should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Manor Park

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier for the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Manor Park Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Manor Park

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Manor Park include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Manor Park for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.