Healthy Homes Assessment Makara Beach

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Makara Beach rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Makara Beach rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Makara Beach, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Makara Beach rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control within Makara Beach rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Makara Beach Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Makara Beach

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

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within the house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional 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 structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Makara Beach

Rental properties in Makara Beach must have a fixed heating source that can heat the living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed 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 mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Makara Beach

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Makara Beach

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure 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 subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the home to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Makara Beach Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of 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 The Healthy Homes Standards in Makara Beach include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Makara Beach for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties home assessment.