Healthy Homes Assessment Miramar

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Miramar rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully 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 can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties and are completely qualified to evaluate 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 contract is signed on a Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, 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 information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even 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 having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Miramar, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Miramar rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control on Miramar rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Miramar Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Miramar

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will check every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Miramar

Rental properties in Miramar should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Miramar

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Miramar

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making more easy to allow the household to keep warmth.

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

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Miramar Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Miramar

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Miramar include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Miramar for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.