Healthy Homes Assessment Pakipaki

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Pakipaki 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 areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards 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 as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Pakipaki, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Pakipaki rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Pakipaki rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Pakipaki Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakipaki

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A humid home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Pakipaki

Rental properties in Pakipaki must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the 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 requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it might just require an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pakipaki

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Pakipaki

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy to the home to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pakipaki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pakipaki

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Pakipaki include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakipaki for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during an home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.