Healthy Homes Assessment Meeanee

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Meeanee rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done, and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in 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 healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties and are 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Meeanee rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Meeanee, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the standard of Meeanee rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Meeanee

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Meeanee

Rental properties in Meeanee need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Meeanee

Every living space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Meeanee

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to allow the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Meeanee Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Meeanee

Rental property areas affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Meeanee include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Meeanee for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.