Healthy Homes Assessment Moera

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Moera rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Moera rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

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

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Moera, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Moera rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control in Moera rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Moera

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Moera

Moera rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the 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 health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Moera

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Moera

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Moera Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Moera

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Moera include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Moera for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient 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 a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.