Healthy Homes Assessment Maungaraki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Maungaraki 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 completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Maungaraki rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower 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 in Maungaraki rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Maungaraki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Maungaraki

Maungaraki rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Maungaraki

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of 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

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

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maungaraki

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standards in Maungaraki include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maungaraki for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house 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 being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today to book your rental properties home evaluation.