Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Offering Papakowhai landlords and tenants rental home peace of mind
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 ensure their Papakowhai 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes 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 who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and request a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Papakowhai rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Papakowhai rental properties.

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

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How Other People Rate Us

Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
When do I need to meet my Healthy Homes Standards?

Papakowhai Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies that were signed beginning on 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021

  • Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory throughout Papakowhai and New Zealand rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Intent to Comply Statement along with an Insulation Declaration and an Insurance Statement must be included with any renewal, new or modified tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords have to keep records that demonstrate compliance with any Healthy Homes Standards that apply or will be in force during the tenure of the rental property.

From 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers must make sure that their rental properties are in compliance to the Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of a newly renewed, extended or changed lease.
  • All boarding houses (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider for boarding home tenancies) must meet the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the time the tenancy began.

From 1 July 2023

  • All homes let from Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.

From 1 July 2024

  • All rentals houses must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date when the tenancy started.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A cold home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will check the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Papakowhai

Papakowhai rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can heat the main or largest 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 as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Papakowhai

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

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A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Papakowhai

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy to allow the household to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

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

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

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Papakowhai include each:

  • Living Room
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Room
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

  • Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
  • Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
  • Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
  • Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
  • Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.

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Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai Wellington 5024

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About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors, we deal with all the issues associated with expert house inspects. We’re there to ensure that you make the best choice when it comes to purchasing your next property.

We are serious about your investment We conduct comprehensive examinations to ensure that you don’t receive any expensive or unwelcome expenses, which means you are able to relax and focus on the fun parts of owning or purchasing a house.

We are specialised in a range of solutions to make sure you are completely informed about the condition of any property you might be contemplating buying or selling and also other services.

We don’t just cooperate with you, we also have important clients such as local councils, banks, and insurance firms. They seem to like our reassurance provided, because of the information contained in our building inspection reports.

We have a systematic approach to your inspection of your home as well as the latest technology in software which includes digital photos in the Report, you can actually see any problems that might be discovered. Through our comprehensive report, it’s no wonder we receive so many referrals from clients our services to their family and friends.

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Comprehensive Home Reports

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
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  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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