Healthy Homes Assessment Maungaraki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 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 rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Maungaraki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Maungaraki, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Maungaraki rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Maungaraki rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maungaraki

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Maungaraki

Rental properties in Maungaraki need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maungaraki

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation 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 cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Maungaraki

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to allow the household to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Maungaraki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maungaraki

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to 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 variety of concerns to check in the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient 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 in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.