Healthy Homes Assessment Mornington

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Mornington rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new 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 determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed and offer the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Mornington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Mornington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Mornington, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the quality of Mornington rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Mornington rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Mornington Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mornington

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Mornington

Mornington rental properties require a reliable heating source that can heat the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it could need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Mornington

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Mornington

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to the house to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Mornington Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Mornington

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standards in Mornington include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mornington for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.