Healthy Homes Assessment Pakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that needs to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully 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

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Pakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Pakowhai, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Pakowhai rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Pakowhai rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakowhai

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Pakowhai

Pakowhai rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it could need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pakowhai

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Pakowhai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task for the house to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with 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 resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pakowhai

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Pakowhai include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakowhai for Rental Properties

There are many things to check when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.