Healthy Homes Assessment Maoribank

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 their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified to assess each of 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who 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.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Maoribank, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Maoribank rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs 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 Draught Control within Maoribank rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Maoribank Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Maoribank

Maoribank rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it may need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maoribank

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dried air can be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Maoribank

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

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

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maoribank

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Maoribank include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.