Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

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 now have to make sure their Paremata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 assess your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate 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, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out which 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 when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Paremata, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Paremata rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Paremata rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Paremata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paremata

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft 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 are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Paremata

Paremata rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Paremata

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Paremata

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to the household to retain heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paremata

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Paremata include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.