Healthy Homes Assessment Maraenui

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Maraenui rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must 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 the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Maraenui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maraenui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request an house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Maraenui, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the quality of Maraenui rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Maraenui rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Maraenui Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maraenui

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Maraenui

Maraenui rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maraenui

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Maraenui

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

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

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Maraenui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maraenui

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Maraenui include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maraenui for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.