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 are now required to make sure that their Maupuia rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide 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 in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess both 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Maupuia rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, 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 accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Maupuia, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Maupuia rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control on Maupuia rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Maupuia Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maupuia

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Maupuia

Maupuia rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Maupuia

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Maupuia

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the house to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge 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, 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 - 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 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 about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

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

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Maupuia include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maupuia for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.