Healthy Homes Assessment Te Marua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Te Marua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to 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 to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of 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 $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties and are completely qualified for 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, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Te Marua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Te Marua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Te Marua, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Te Marua rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Te Marua rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Te Marua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Marua

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Te Marua

Te Marua rental properties require a reliable heating source which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Te Marua

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Te Marua

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to the household to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements 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 higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Te Marua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Marua

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Te Marua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Marua for Rental Properties

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

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under 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, call now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.