Healthy Homes Assessment Pauatahanui

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Pauatahanui rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely 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 assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be done and provide the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Pauatahanui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Pauatahanui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Pauatahanui, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Pauatahanui rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Pauatahanui rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Pauatahanui Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pauatahanui

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Pauatahanui

Pauatahanui rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. 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 source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it might just require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pauatahanui

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising how dried air can be more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Pauatahanui

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes more easy to allow the home to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Pauatahanui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pauatahanui

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standards in Pauatahanui include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pauatahanui for Rental Properties

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

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.