Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed 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 evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on 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 rent from New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Papakowhai rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Papakowhai rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Papakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Papakowhai

Papakowhai rental properties require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Papakowhai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy to allow the house to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

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

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

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor 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 Papakowhai

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Papakowhai include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.