Healthy Homes Assessment Mahora

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? Landlords now have to make sure that their Mahora rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Mahora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Mahora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an 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 is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Mahora, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the quality of Mahora rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Mahora rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mahora

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from your house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Mahora

Rental properties in Mahora must have a fixed heating source which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it could require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Mahora

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. The 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 for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Mahora

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Mahora Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mahora

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Mahora include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mahora for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in a home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.