Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Papakowhai rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Papakowhai rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Papakowhai

Papakowhai rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

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

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Papakowhai

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of 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 the Healthy Homes Standards in Papakowhai include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in 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 well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.