Healthy Homes Assessment Maoribank

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure 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 rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of 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

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other 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 renting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Maoribank, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the quality of Maoribank rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Maoribank rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Maoribank Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Maoribank

Rental properties in Maoribank should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the main or largest 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 source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require 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 in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Maoribank

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the house to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor 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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in 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

The areas of rental property that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Maoribank include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.