Healthy Homes Assessment Miramar

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? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Miramar rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess 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 the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Miramar rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Miramar, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Miramar rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Miramar rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Miramar Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Miramar

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the house warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Miramar

Rental properties in Miramar need to have a stable heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Miramar

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air is much easier to heat and that 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 to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Miramar

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make it easier to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Miramar Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Miramar

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Miramar include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Miramar for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home assessment.