Healthy Homes Assessment Pinehaven

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? Landlords must ensure their Pinehaven rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a 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 evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully certified 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 contract is signed on a Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request a house assessment performed for 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?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Pinehaven, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Pinehaven rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Pinehaven rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Pinehaven Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pinehaven

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Pinehaven

Rental properties in Pinehaven need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 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 well-being.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pinehaven

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be more easy to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Pinehaven

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier for the home to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pinehaven Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pinehaven

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Pinehaven include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pinehaven for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for during an house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there 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 have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.