Healthy Homes Assessment Maymorn

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? Landlords must make sure their Maymorn rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must 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 will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Maymorn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Maymorn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Maymorn, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Maymorn rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Maymorn rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Maymorn Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Maymorn

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means 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 can feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from your home require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Maymorn

Maymorn rental properties require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it needs to include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might just need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Maymorn

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Maymorn

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective 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 - 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Maymorn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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 Maymorn

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Maymorn include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Maymorn for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.