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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Maungaraki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess both 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Maungaraki rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Maungaraki rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of 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 flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Maungaraki

Maungaraki rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to have 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, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dried air can be easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Maungaraki

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier for the home to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this 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 Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Maungaraki include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maungaraki for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check in a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.