Healthy Homes Assessment Pukerua Bay

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Pukerua Bay 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 completely 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 whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pukerua Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pukerua Bay rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Pukerua Bay, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Pukerua Bay rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Pukerua Bay rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Pukerua Bay Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Draught Stopping Pukerua Bay

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Pukerua Bay

Rental properties in Pukerua Bay must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just require an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pukerua Bay

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs at least to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

Insulation Pukerua Bay

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy to the house to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pukerua Bay Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Rental Property Home Assessments Pukerua Bay

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Pukerua Bay include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Home Assessments Pukerua Bay for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house evaluation.