Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified to assess 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result 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 arrange to have a home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Papakowhai rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Papakowhai rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Papakowhai

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

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere 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 rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Papakowhai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to allow the household to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during the house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.