Healthy Homes Assessment Maungaraki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Maungaraki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must 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 will evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to evaluate both 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 have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Maungaraki rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

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

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Maungaraki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Maungaraki

Rental properties in Maungaraki need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested 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 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Maungaraki

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make an easier task to allow the household to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maungaraki

Rental property areas affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Maungaraki include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maungaraki for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• 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?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to book your rental properties house assessment.