Healthy Homes Assessment Maupuia

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Maupuia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Maupuia, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Maupuia rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , 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 for Maupuia rental properties.

Start now and call about the Maupuia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maupuia

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap that is, it is most likely 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 to enter or exit within the house need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Maupuia

Rental properties in Maupuia must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the living room to at least 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 and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it could require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maupuia

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Maupuia

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to allow the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Maupuia Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Maupuia

The areas of rental property that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Maupuia include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maupuia for Rental Properties

There are many things to check when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.