Healthy Homes Assessment Pauatahanui

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Pauatahanui 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties and are fully qualified 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Pauatahanui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Pauatahanui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding 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 from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Pauatahanui, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Pauatahanui rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means 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, and Draught-stopping in Pauatahanui rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pauatahanui

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into the house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still 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.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Pauatahanui

Rental properties in Pauatahanui must have a fixed heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must have a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pauatahanui

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Pauatahanui

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to allow the home to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pauatahanui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pauatahanui

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pauatahanui include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pauatahanui for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.