Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

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 must ensure their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks that needs to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the quality of Papakowhai rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Contact us now to discuss the Papakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Papakowhai

Rental properties in Papakowhai must have a fixed source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, 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 wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just require an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Papakowhai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Papakowhai include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.