Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be done, and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under 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 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Papakowhai rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Papakowhai rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Papakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Papakowhai

Rental properties in Papakowhai must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs at least open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Papakowhai

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Papakowhai include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house assessment.