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 July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Porirua 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 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified to evaluate 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Porirua, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Porirua rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs 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 within Porirua rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Porirua

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Porirua

Porirua rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, 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 well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it should include an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it might just require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Porirua

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air will be more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside while remaining closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Porirua

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to allow the house to keep the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, 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 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Porirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The 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 by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Porirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Porirua for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.