Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas 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 assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a house assessment performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Paremata, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Paremata rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Paremata rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paremata

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Paremata

Paremata rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it may require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Paremata

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Paremata

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to the home to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your 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 Paremata

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standard in Paremata include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.