Healthy Homes Assessment Te Marua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to assess 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, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Te Marua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Te Marua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named 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 company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Te Marua, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Te Marua rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Te Marua rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Te Marua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Te Marua

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will check the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Te Marua

Te Marua rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Te Marua

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Te Marua

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to the home to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Te Marua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Te Marua

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

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Te Marua for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.