Healthy Homes Assessment Pipitea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Pipitea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done, and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to assess 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed 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 company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and request a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Pipitea, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Pipitea rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Pipitea rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Pipitea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within your home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Pipitea

Rental properties in Pipitea should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pipitea

Every living space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and are not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Pipitea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pipitea

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Pipitea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine in an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.