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 any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st 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 and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks that requirements to be done and provide the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in 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 healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re 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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply 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 suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Pipitea rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Pipitea rental properties.

Start now and call about the Pipitea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Pipitea

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

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might just need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pipitea

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Pipitea

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. 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 the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring 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

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to book your rental property home assessment.