Healthy Homes Assessment Maraenui

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Maraenui rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under 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 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified for 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Maraenui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on the Maraenui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, 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 arrange to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Maraenui, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Maraenui rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Start now and call about receiving a Maraenui Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maraenui

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Maraenui

Maraenui rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maraenui

Each liveable space in a rental home must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Maraenui

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the home to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher 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 area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Maraenui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maraenui

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Maraenui include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maraenui for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine during a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental properties house assessment.