Healthy Homes Assessment Pakowhai

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 Pakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Pakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request a home assessment performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Pakowhai, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Pakowhai rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Pakowhai rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Pakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakowhai

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Pakowhai

Pakowhai rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just require a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pakowhai

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dried air can be easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and do not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Pakowhai

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes much easier to the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pakowhai

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakowhai for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• 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 a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.