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 must make sure that their Mayfair rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Mayfair rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Mayfair rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally 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 face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Mayfair, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Mayfair rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Mayfair rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mayfair

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Mayfair

Rental properties in Mayfair need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Mayfair

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Mayfair

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

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

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Mayfair Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor 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 Mayfair

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Mayfair include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mayfair for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.