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 are now required to make sure their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re 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

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Maoribank, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Maoribank rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Maoribank rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Maoribank

Rental properties in Maoribank require a reliable heating source which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors 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) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Maoribank

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy for the home to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor 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 with The 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 a variety of concerns to check during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.