Healthy Homes Assessment Maupuia

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Maupuia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals 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 can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified to evaluate 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, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Maupuia, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improve the standard of Maupuia rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

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

Contact us now to discuss the Maupuia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maupuia

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the home warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Maupuia

Rental properties in Maupuia require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living room to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

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

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might need an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maupuia

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air is more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Maupuia

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Maupuia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maupuia

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Maupuia include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maupuia for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.