Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Paremata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Paremata, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Paremata rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Paremata rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Paremata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paremata

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within your house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Paremata

Paremata rental properties need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it could need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Paremata

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Paremata

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy to the house to retain warmth.

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 withstands heat flow. The higher 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 of the 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

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

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paremata

The areas of rental property that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Paremata include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.