Healthy Homes Assessment Meeanee

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Meeanee rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st 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 and 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 tasks that needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Meeanee rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Meeanee rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Meeanee, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Meeanee rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Meeanee rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Meeanee Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Meeanee

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Meeanee

Rental properties in Meeanee should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Meeanee

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Meeanee

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to allow the household to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Meeanee Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Meeanee

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Meeanee include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Meeanee for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with 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 expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.