Healthy Homes Assessment Meeanee

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Meeanee rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required 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 found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Meeanee rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Meeanee rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Meeanee, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Meeanee rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Meeanee rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Meeanee Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Meeanee

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be 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 entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Meeanee

Meeanee rental properties should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it could require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Meeanee

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Meeanee

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to the household to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Meeanee Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. 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 Meeanee

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Meeanee include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Meeanee for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental properties house assessment.