Healthy Homes Assessment Paparangi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Paparangi rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed 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 and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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 must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now 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 matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Paparangi, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Paparangi rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Paparangi rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting 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 humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check every window and door during 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 to ensure well-being houses

Heating Paparangi

Paparangi rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to include an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Paparangi

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a 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 cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Paparangi

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task for the home to retain the heat.

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

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

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Paparangi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paparangi

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paparangi for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and 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 the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.