Healthy Homes Assessment Maraenui

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 Maraenui rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Maraenui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the 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 within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Maraenui, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Maraenui rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Maraenui rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Maraenui Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maraenui

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Maraenui

Rental properties in Maraenui must have a fixed heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maraenui

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Maraenui

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maraenui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block 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 standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maraenui

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Maraenui include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maraenui for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today to book your rental property home evaluation.