Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Paremata rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified for 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, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of 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 in New Zealand and Paremata, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Paremata rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Paremata rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Paremata Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Paremata

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps 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 and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from your house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Paremata

Rental properties in Paremata should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to have a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might just require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Paremata

Every living space of a rental home must include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Paremata

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy to the house to retain heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 Paremata

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Paremata include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.