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? Landlords must ensure that their Pukahu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 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 whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of 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 up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 856 525

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised 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 building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It is important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Pukahu, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Pukahu rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Pukahu rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Pukahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukahu

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs 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 within your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building when the home warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows in 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 well-being homes

Heating Pukahu

Pukahu rental properties need to have a stable heating source which can warm the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pukahu

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

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

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Pukahu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes much easier for the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of the 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Pukahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The 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 by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Pukahu include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukahu for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check in an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.