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 are now required to make sure that their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the standard of Papakowhai rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Papakowhai rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Papakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A cold house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Papakowhai

Papakowhai rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors 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 minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it could need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Papakowhai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making it easier for the house to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected 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 inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house assessment.