Healthy Homes Assessment Pinehaven

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 are now required to ensure that 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 conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified for each of 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Pinehaven rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person 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 property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Pinehaven, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Pinehaven rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less 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 Draught stopping for Pinehaven rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Pinehaven Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pinehaven

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Pinehaven

Pinehaven rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like heat pumps, it might need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pinehaven

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dried air can be easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Pinehaven

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier for the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pinehaven Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pinehaven

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standard in Pinehaven include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pinehaven for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental properties home evaluation.