Healthy Homes Assessment Pipitea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Pipitea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Pipitea, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Pipitea rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping in Pipitea rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Pipitea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Pipitea

Rental properties in Pipitea must have a fixed heating source that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pipitea

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Pipitea

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier to the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pipitea

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during an house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.