Healthy Homes Assessment Maoribank

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 now have to ensure their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for 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 contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Maoribank, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Maoribank rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Maoribank rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Maoribank Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A humid home costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Maoribank

Maoribank rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might require some additional energy 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 are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Maoribank

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maoribank 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 but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maoribank

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Maoribank include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.