Healthy Homes Assessment Poukawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Poukawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

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

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Poukawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Poukawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

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

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Poukawa, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Poukawa rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs 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 Control for Poukawa rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Poukawa Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Poukawa

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Poukawa

Poukawa rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can 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 that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Poukawa

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Poukawa

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make it easier to the household to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 - 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 quality.

Poukawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Poukawa

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Poukawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Poukawa for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during an house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, 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 a tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property house assessment.