Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Paremata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which requirements to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Paremata rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Paremata rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Paremata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paremata

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the home warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Paremata

Rental properties in Paremata should have a permanent heating source which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, 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 the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it could need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Paremata

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Paremata

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make much easier to the home to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Paremata

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Paremata include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

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