Healthy Homes Assessment Maymorn

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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Maymorn rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Maymorn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Maymorn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is also important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a home inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Maymorn, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Maymorn rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control for Maymorn rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maymorn

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Maymorn

Maymorn rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 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 outlook.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maymorn

Each living space within a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Maymorn

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy to allow the home to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maymorn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maymorn

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Maymorn include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maymorn for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

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