Healthy Homes Assessment Pinehaven

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Pinehaven rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that 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 comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified to evaluate 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $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 pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Pinehaven, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the standard of Pinehaven rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Pinehaven rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Pinehaven Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pinehaven

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Pinehaven

Rental properties in Pinehaven must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Pinehaven

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Pinehaven

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pinehaven Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pinehaven

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with The Healthy Homes Standard in Pinehaven include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pinehaven for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.