Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Papakowhai renters and landlords alike can have their rental property peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to 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 completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it 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 when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Papakowhai rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Papakowhai rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Papakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

healthy homes assessment compliance

How Other People Rate Us

This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
What time do I require to meet requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards?

Papakowhai Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies signed beginning on 1 July 2019 and 30 , June 20,21

  • Insulation of the underfloor and ceiling is mandatory throughout Papakowhai and New Zealand rental houses where it’s reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Declaration of Intent along with an Insulation Declaration and an Insurance Statement should be included in any renewed, new or amended tenancy agreement.
  • Landlords and property managers must keep records of their the compliance with any Healthy Homes Standards that apply or will be applied during the tenancy of your rental home.

From 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers are required to make sure that their rental properties are in compliance in accordance with Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of a new, renewed or varied Tenancy.
  • All boarder houses (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider boarding house tenancies) must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.

Starting 1 July 2023

  • All households rented from Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

Starting 1 July 2024

  • All rentals houses must be in compliance with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy first began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Papakowhai

Papakowhai rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it could need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Each liveable space in a rental house must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

building ventilation inspections
building insulation inspection
A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Papakowhai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make it easier to the household to keep the heat.

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

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

  • Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – all 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
rental home assessments
Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

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

  • Living Room
  • Bedroom
  • Dining Room
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

  • Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
  • Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
  • Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
  • Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
  • Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property home evaluation.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai Wellington 5024

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors we handle all components that come with specialist home inspects. We’re there to make sure that you make the correct choice when it comes to purchasing your next property.

We consider your investment to be a serious one We conduct comprehensive inspections so you won’t receive any expensive or unwelcome surprise costs, meaning you are able to relax and focus on the fun parts of owning or purchasing the home.

We specialise in a range of services to ensure you are fully aware of the state of any property you might be contemplating buying or selling as well as additional solutions.

We don’t just work with you but we also have big clients like bank branches, local councils, and insurance firms. Evidently , they appreciate their reassurance provided, due to the details in our building inspection reports.

Our systematic approach to your inspection of your home and the most up-to-date software technology which includes digital photos in the Report, you are able to actually see any issues discovered. Thanks to our detailed reporting it’s easy to understand why we receive so many clients who recommend our services to their family and friends.

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Comprehensive Home Reports

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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