Healthy Homes Assessment Mahora

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Mahora rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must 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 will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified to evaluate 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 Mahora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Mahora, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Mahora rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Mahora rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Mahora Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mahora

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Mahora

Rental properties in Mahora should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Mahora

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Mahora

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier to the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Mahora Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mahora

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mahora for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home evaluation.