Healthy Homes Assessment Mohaka

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 Mohaka rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified to assess each of 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Mohaka rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

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

It is also important to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Mohaka, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Mohaka rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Mohaka rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Mohaka Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mohaka

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of the house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Mohaka

Rental properties in Mohaka require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living space to at least 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 outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Mohaka

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Mohaka

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy to allow the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Mohaka Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mohaka

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Mohaka include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mohaka for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.