Healthy Homes Assessment Pakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Pakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified for 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Pakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Pakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Pakowhai, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Pakowhai rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Pakowhai rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Pakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakowhai

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Pakowhai

Rental properties in Pakowhai should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed 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 used to achieve the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pakowhai

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Pakowhai

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure 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 require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy to the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Pakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. 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 Pakowhai

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pakowhai include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakowhai for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.