Healthy Homes Assessment Pukerua Bay

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Pukerua Bay 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 are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to evaluate 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Pukerua Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Pukerua Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Pukerua Bay, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Pukerua Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Pukerua Bay rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Pukerua Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukerua Bay

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be 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 getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Pukerua Bay

Pukerua Bay rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it needs to have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Pukerua Bay

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Pukerua Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy for the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pukerua Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor 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 Pukerua Bay

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Pukerua Bay include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukerua Bay for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine in a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• 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 falling on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home assessment.