Healthy Homes Assessment Parkvale

Offering Parkvale landlords and tenants rental property peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Parkvale rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Parkvale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Parkvale rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Parkvale, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Parkvale rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

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

Start now and call about the Parkvale Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

healthy homes assessment compliance

How Other People Rate Us

Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
When Do I need to meet The Healthy Homes Standards?

Parkvale Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies that were signed from 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2021

  • The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is compulsory in all Parkvale and New Zealand rental homes where it’s reasonably practicable to install.
  • A Healthy Homes Statement of Intent to Comply, an Insulation Statement and an Insurance Statement must be included with any renewal, new or altered tenancy contract.
  • Property managers and landlords have to keep records that demonstrate conformance with each Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will apply during the tenancy of an apartment rental.

Starting 1 July 2021

  • Private landlords and property managers have to ensure that their rental properties are in compliance according to Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new, renewed or varied tenancy.
  • All boarding houses (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider for boarding household tenancies) must meet the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the time the tenancy began.

Beginning 1 July 2023

  • All houses let by Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy first began.

From July 1st 2024

  • All rental homes must comply with the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Parkvale

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within your home require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

draught stopping building inspections
home heating inspections
The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Parkvale

Parkvale rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Parkvale

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

building ventilation inspections
building insulation inspection
A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Parkvale

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to allow the home to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

  • Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – all part 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Parkvale Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
rental home assessments
Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Parkvale

Property rental areas that are affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Parkvale include each:

  • Living Room
  • Bedroom
  • Dining Room
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Parkvale for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

  • Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
  • Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
  • Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
  • Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
  • Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Parkvale Hastings 4122

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors we take on all elements that come with professional home inspections. We are here to ensure you make the best choice when it comes to buying your next home.

We consider your investment to be a serious one and conduct comprehensive examinations to make sure you don’t get any unexpected or expensive surprises meaning you are able to relax and focus on the fun aspects of owning or purchasing your own house.

We offer a wide range of services to ensure you are completely informed of the condition of any property you could be looking to purchase or sell as well as additional services.

Not only do we work with you but we also collaborate with a number of large clients including local councils, banks, and insurance companies. They clearly appreciate their reassurance provided, by the data contained in our building inspection reports.

With our systemised approach to inspecting your property and the latest in technology for software which includes digital photos in the report, you are able to actually see any issues that may be found. With our detailed reporting it is no wonder we get so many clients recommending our services to their family and acquaintances.

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Comprehensive Building Inspections

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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