Healthy Homes Assessment Maungaraki

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 that their Maungaraki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully certified to evaluate 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Maungaraki rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Maungaraki rental properties.

Start now and call about the Maungaraki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into the house require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which 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 in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Maungaraki

Maungaraki rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Maungaraki

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes more easy to the household to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able 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 prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maungaraki

Property rental areas that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Maungaraki include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maungaraki for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation 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 a Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.