Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Paremata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done and offer the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Paremata, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Paremata rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance 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 Draught-stopping in Paremata rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paremata

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the house need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Paremata

Paremata rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Paremata

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Paremata

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier for the household to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor 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 Paremata

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Paremata include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.