Healthy Homes Assessment Paparangi

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Paparangi 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Paparangi rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Paparangi, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Paparangi rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Paparangi rental properties.

Start now and call about the Paparangi Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paparangi

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your house need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Paparangi

Rental properties in Paparangi must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Paparangi

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Paparangi

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make it easier for the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

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

Paparangi Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paparangi

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Paparangi include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paparangi for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.