Healthy Homes Assessment Mornington

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Mornington rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Mornington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Mornington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Mornington, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Mornington rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Mornington rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Mornington Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Mornington

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in 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

Rental properties in Mornington must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it needs to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Mornington

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Mornington

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to allow the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Mornington Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this 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 with the Healthy Homes Standards in Mornington include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Mornington for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check during the house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.