Healthy Homes Assessment Maraenui

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Maraenui rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in 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 $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Maraenui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Maraenui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Maraenui, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

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

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Maraenui rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maraenui

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Maraenui

Maraenui rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it could need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maraenui

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Maraenui

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maraenui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maraenui

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Maraenui include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maraenui for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.