Healthy Homes Assessment Pauatahanui

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Pauatahanui rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas 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 is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pauatahanui rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Pauatahanui, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Pauatahanui rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Pauatahanui rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Pauatahanui Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pauatahanui

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be 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 are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap that is, it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Pauatahanui

Rental properties in Pauatahanui need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it could require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pauatahanui

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air will be more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay closed to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Pauatahanui

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Pauatahanui Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pauatahanui

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pauatahanui include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pauatahanui for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.