Healthy Homes Assessment Porirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know 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 the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

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

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Porirua, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Porirua rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , 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 within Porirua rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Porirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Porirua

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Porirua

Porirua rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Porirua

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Porirua

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this 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 ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Porirua

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standards 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 things to be able to examine during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.