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? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Pipitea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st 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 and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified to evaluate both 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $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 penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Pipitea, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Pipitea rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Pipitea rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Pipitea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Pipitea

Rental properties in Pipitea need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the 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 heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pipitea

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Pipitea

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pipitea

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standards in Pipitea include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.