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 now have to ensure their Maupuia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely compliant by 1 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 whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within 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 in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in 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 reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Maupuia, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Maupuia rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Maupuia rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Maupuia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maupuia

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Maupuia

Rental properties in Maupuia require a reliable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maupuia

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Maupuia

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make much easier for the house to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maupuia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maupuia

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maupuia for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.