Healthy Homes Assessment Makara Beach

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Makara Beach rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’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 following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties and are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Makara Beach rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Makara Beach rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and ask us to conduct a home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Makara Beach, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Makara Beach rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Makara Beach rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Makara Beach Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Makara Beach

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap, then it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Makara Beach

Rental properties in Makara Beach must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Makara Beach

Every living space of a rental home must contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Makara Beach

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy for the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

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

Makara Beach Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Makara Beach

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Makara Beach include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Makara Beach for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.