Healthy Homes Assessment Moera

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Moera rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes 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 breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, and are 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Moera rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Moera, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Moera rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Moera rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Moera Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Moera

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from the house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Moera

Rental properties in Moera require a reliable heating source that can warm the living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should include a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Moera

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air is easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Moera

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge 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 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Moera Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Moera

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Moera include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Moera for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.