Healthy Homes Assessment Pukahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Pukahu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Pukahu, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Pukahu rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

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

Contact us now to discuss getting a Pukahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukahu

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Pukahu

Rental properties in Pukahu require a reliable heating source which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pukahu

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Pukahu

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pukahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pukahu

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pukahu include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukahu for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house assessment.