Healthy Homes Assessment Pipitea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure 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 rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’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 not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Pipitea, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Pipitea rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control 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 may lead to less temperature in households. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within your home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Pipitea

Rental properties in Pipitea require a reliable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Pipitea

Each liveable space in a rental home must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Pipitea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the house to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pipitea

Rental property areas affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Pipitea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over in a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.