Healthy Homes Assessment Miramar

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Miramar rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified for 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure 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 the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

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

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Miramar, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Miramar rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Miramar rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Miramar Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Miramar

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the house heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Miramar

Miramar rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Miramar

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air is easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Miramar

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and it will make much easier to the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Miramar Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Miramar

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by The Healthy Homes Standards in Miramar include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Miramar for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.