Healthy Homes Assessment Mahora

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 now have to ensure their Mahora rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Mahora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Mahora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised 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 building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have an house inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Mahora, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Mahora rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs 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 as Draught-stopping on Mahora rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Mahora Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mahora

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building when the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Mahora

Mahora rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and 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 could be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Mahora

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Mahora

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Mahora Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent 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 Mahora

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Mahora include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mahora for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.