Healthy Homes Assessment Maoribank

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

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

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work that requirements to be completed and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Maoribank, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Maoribank rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Maoribank rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Maoribank Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Maoribank

Rental properties in Maoribank should have a permanent heating source that can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Maoribank

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy to the house to retain heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 standard.

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface 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 a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Maoribank include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.