Healthy Homes Assessment Mayfair

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Mayfair rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Mayfair rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Mayfair rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

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

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is 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 the most serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Mayfair, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Mayfair rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Mayfair rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Mayfair Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mayfair

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A damp home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out into your home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Mayfair

Rental properties in Mayfair require a reliable heating source that can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must include the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Mayfair

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least to open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Mayfair

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes it easier for the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Mayfair Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mayfair

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Mayfair include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mayfair for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property house assessment.