Healthy Homes Assessment Pipitea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Pipitea 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 must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified to evaluate 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a home assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

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

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Pipitea rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Pipitea rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Pipitea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Pipitea

Pipitea rental properties require a reliable heating source that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might just require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pipitea

Each living space within a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Pipitea

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier for the home to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with 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 more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pipitea

The areas of rental property that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Pipitea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.