Healthy Homes Assessment Moera

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Moera rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess 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 about any tasks that requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Moera rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Moera, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Moera rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Moera rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Moera Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Moera

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the house warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Moera

Rental properties in Moera should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need 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 for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it could need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Moera

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Moera

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the household to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Moera Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Moera

The areas of rental property that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Moera include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Moera for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.