Healthy Homes Assessment Paparangi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Paparangi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely certified 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 assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Paparangi, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Paparangi rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paparangi

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Paparangi

Rental properties in Paparangi must have a fixed heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Paparangi

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Paparangi

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier for the house to retain heat.

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

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

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

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

Paparangi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this 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 by the Healthy Homes Standards in Paparangi include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paparangi for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.