Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must 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 your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

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 work must be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Papakowhai rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Papakowhai rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Papakowhai

Rental properties in Papakowhai should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

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

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Papakowhai

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords 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 might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier for the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Papakowhai include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.