Healthy Homes Assessment Pinehaven

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Pinehaven rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 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 is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information 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 not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 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 comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Pinehaven rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping 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 can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Pinehaven

Rental properties in Pinehaven need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pinehaven

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Pinehaven

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to allow the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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 standard.

Pinehaven Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pinehaven

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pinehaven for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in the house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.