Healthy Homes Assessment Pinehaven

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Pinehaven rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be fully 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 can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for 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 brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request a home assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Pinehaven, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Pinehaven rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Start now and call about receiving a Pinehaven Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pinehaven

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Pinehaven

Rental properties in Pinehaven require a reliable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Pinehaven

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air will be much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Pinehaven

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

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

Pinehaven Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

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

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pinehaven

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Pinehaven include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pinehaven for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property house assessment.