Healthy Homes Assessment Porirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Porirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are fully 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Porirua, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Porirua rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Start now and call about the Porirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Porirua

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Porirua

Rental properties in Porirua require a reliable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable 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 pump, then it must 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 or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it might need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Porirua

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Porirua

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

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

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Porirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Porirua

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standards in Porirua include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Porirua for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.