Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Paremata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 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 and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Paremata, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Paremata rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Paremata rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paremata

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for healthy houses

Heating Paremata

Rental properties in Paremata require a reliable heating source that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it could need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Paremata

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

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that are vented towards 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 The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Paremata

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task to the house to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands 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 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about the 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 The Healthy Homes Standards in Paremata include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check when conducting the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.