Healthy Homes Assessment Pandora

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Pandora rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Pandora rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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 rent the property in New Zealand and Pandora, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Pandora rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Contact us now to discuss the Pandora Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pandora

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Pandora

Rental properties in Pandora require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pandora

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air will be much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least to open to the outside, but remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Pandora

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to the house to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pandora Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pandora

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pandora include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pandora for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house assessment.