Healthy Homes Assessment Mahora

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure their Mahora 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

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

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Mahora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Mahora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Mahora, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Mahora rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Mahora rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Mahora Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mahora

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Mahora

Mahora rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Mahora

Each liveable space in a rental home must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Mahora

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part 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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Mahora Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mahora

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with The Healthy Homes Standards in Mahora include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mahora for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during an home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.