Healthy Homes Assessment Maymorn

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure their Maymorn 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 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified to assess each of 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maymorn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Maymorn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Maymorn, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Maymorn rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping within Maymorn rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Maymorn Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maymorn

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is likely a crack 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 into or out into the home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Maymorn

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

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maymorn

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Maymorn

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to allow the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for 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 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Maymorn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into 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 standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maymorn

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Maymorn include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maymorn for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.