Healthy Homes Assessment Pirimai

Offering Pirimai landlords and tenants rental property peace of mind
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 their Pirimai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully 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

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Pirimai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Pirimai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Pirimai, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Pirimai rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

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 for Pirimai rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Pirimai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

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How Other People Rate Us

An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
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
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
When do I need to be in compliance with requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards?

Pirimai Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies commenced beginning on 1 July 2019 to 30 , June 20,21

  • The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all Pirimai and New Zealand rental houses where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Declaration of Intent, an Insulation Statement and an Insurance Statement must be included in any new, renewed or varied tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords must keep records to demonstrate conformance with all Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will be applied to the rental property.

Starting 1 July 2021

  • Property managers and private landlords have to make sure that their rental properties are in compliance according to Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of a renewal, new or a change in Tenancy.
  • All boarding homes (except Kainga Ora and Community Housing Providers with registered Boarding household tenancies) must meet the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

Beginning 1 July 2023

  • All households that are rented out through Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and Community Housing Providers that are registered must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date the tenancy was started.

Beginning 1 July 2024

  • All rental houses have to meet the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pirimai

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Pirimai

Rental properties in Pirimai should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pirimai

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

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A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Pirimai

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and it will make more easy to allow the house to hold the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

  • Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – the remainder 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pirimai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pirimai

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

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

Home Assessments Pirimai for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in an house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

  • Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
  • Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
  • Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
  • Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
  • Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Pirimai Napier 4112

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors we take on all issues that come with specialist house inspects. We’re there to make sure that you make the best decision when purchasing your next property.

We value your money, and undertake detailed examinations to make sure you don’t be faced with any costly or unexpected expenses, which means you are able to relax and focus on the exciting aspects of owning or purchasing a home.

We offer a wide range of services to make sure that you are fully updated on the condition of any property you could be thinking of buying or selling along with other solutions.

We not only work with you but we also collaborate with a number of important clients such as the local authorities, banks, and insurance firms. Evidently , they are pleased with the reassurance provided, because of the information contained that we offer in our reports of building inspections.

With our systematic approach to your property inspection and the latest in technology for software that incorporates digital images into your Report, you are able to actually see any issues identified. Thanks to our detailed report, it is not surprising that we receive so many referrals from clients our services to their family and friends.

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Comprehensive House Reports

  • 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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