Healthy Homes Assessment Porirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Porirua 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 are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified for both 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 contract is signed on a Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide 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 contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Porirua, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Porirua rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs 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 for Porirua rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Porirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Porirua

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Porirua

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

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it could require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Porirua

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Porirua

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make much easier for the house to retain the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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

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

Porirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Porirua

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Porirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Porirua for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space 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 sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.