Healthy Homes Assessment Pakipaki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Pakipaki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely compliant by 1 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 whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be completed and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, we 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

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

It is also crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Pakipaki, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Pakipaki rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Pakipaki rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Pakipaki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakipaki

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A humid home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Pakipaki

Rental properties in Pakipaki need to have a stable heating source that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pakipaki

Every living space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Pakipaki

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task for the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of 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, 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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pakipaki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pakipaki

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

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakipaki for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.