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 that their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be done and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully 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

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Maoribank, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the standard of Maoribank rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning 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, and Draught-stopping for Maoribank rental properties.

Get started now and contact us 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 houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Maoribank

Rental properties in Maoribank should have a permanent heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it could need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air is easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Maoribank

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure 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 subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure 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 and underfloor R 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the 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 by the Healthy Homes Standards in Maoribank include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during the house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.