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? Landlords must 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 completely certified by 1 July 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 whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are 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

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Paparangi, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Paparangi rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Paparangi rental properties.

Start now and call about the Paparangi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paparangi

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Paparangi

Rental properties in Paparangi should have a permanent heating source that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Paparangi

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Paparangi

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes much easier to the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Paparangi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paparangi

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Paparangi include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paparangi for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient 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 a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.