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? The 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 renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully 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 assess your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties and are fully qualified to assess 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 or renewed contract is signed on a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which 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 when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Pipitea, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Pipitea rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Pipitea rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Pipitea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will examine every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Pipitea

Pipitea rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pipitea

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding how dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Pipitea

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task to the house to retain the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pipitea

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pipitea include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine when conducting a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.