Healthy Homes Assessment Porirua

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Porirua rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Porirua rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Porirua, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Porirua rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Porirua rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Porirua Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Porirua

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Porirua

Porirua rental properties must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Porirua

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Porirua

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the house to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Porirua Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from entering the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Porirua

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Porirua include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Porirua for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough 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 a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house assessment.