Healthy Homes Assessment Pakipaki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Pakipaki 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 must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be done and offer an evaluation 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 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

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

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Pakipaki, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Pakipaki rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Pakipaki rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Pakipaki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakipaki

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A humid house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Pakipaki

Rental properties in Pakipaki require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it might need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pakipaki

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Pakipaki

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy for the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 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.

Pakipaki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing 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 Pakipaki

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Pakipaki include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakipaki for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during a house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home evaluation.