Healthy Homes Assessment Paremata

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure 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 rental properties must be fully certified 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation 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 healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Paremata rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Paremata, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the quality of Paremata rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

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

Draught Stopping Paremata

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

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

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, then it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home warms and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Paremata

Rental properties in Paremata require a reliable heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Paremata

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air is much easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

Insulation Paremata

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Paremata Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that 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.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Rental Property Home Assessments Paremata

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Paremata include each:

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

Home Assessments Paremata for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.