Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure 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 rentals must be fully compliant 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 and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach 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 healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end 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 included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Papakowhai rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Begin now by calling about getting a Papakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Papakowhai

Rental properties in Papakowhai need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Papakowhai

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air is easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room 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. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Papakowhai

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to the household to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

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

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.