Healthy Homes Assessment Paparangi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Paparangi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under 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 $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Paparangi, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Paparangi rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Paparangi rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paparangi

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the household is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Paparangi

Rental properties in Paparangi need to have a stable heating source which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Paparangi

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Paparangi

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the household to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Paparangi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paparangi

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Paparangi include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paparangi for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during an house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to book your rental properties house assessment.