Healthy Homes Assessment Maoribank

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Maoribank rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Maoribank rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Maoribank, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Maoribank rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Maoribank rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Maoribank Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maoribank

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

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

Heating Maoribank

Rental properties in Maoribank require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maoribank

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. 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.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Maoribank

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maoribank Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maoribank

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Maoribank include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maoribank for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.