Healthy Homes Assessment Pirimai

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 now have to make sure that their Pirimai 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified for each of 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Pirimai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Pirimai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Pirimai, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Pirimai rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Pirimai rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Pirimai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pirimai

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Pirimai

Pirimai rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the living space to at least 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 well-being.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pirimai

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Pirimai

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to the household 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 gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pirimai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pirimai

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Pirimai include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pirimai for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.