Healthy Homes Assessment Pauatahanui

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Pauatahanui rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Pauatahanui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Pauatahanui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Pauatahanui, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Pauatahanui rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping for Pauatahanui rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pauatahanui

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within the home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Pauatahanui

Pauatahanui rental properties should have a permanent heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pauatahanui

Every living space in a rental house must include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Pauatahanui

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the house to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet 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 higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor 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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pauatahanui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. 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 Pauatahanui

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Pauatahanui include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pauatahanui for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.