Healthy Homes Assessment Porirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Porirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Porirua, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the quality of Porirua rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping on Porirua rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Porirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Porirua

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from your house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Porirua

Rental properties in Porirua need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it may require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Porirua

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and are not require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Porirua

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Porirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Porirua

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Porirua include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Porirua for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.