Healthy Homes Assessment Paparangi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Paparangi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to evaluate 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 brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Paparangi, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Paparangi rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould 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 and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Paparangi rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paparangi

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being houses

Heating Paparangi

Paparangi rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 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 wellbeing.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it might require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Paparangi

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least to open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Paparangi

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Paparangi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paparangi

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paparangi for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over in a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property home assessment.