Healthy Homes Assessment Pukahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure 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 certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to note that landlords who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Pukahu, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Pukahu rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Pukahu rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Pukahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukahu

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Pukahu

Rental properties in Pukahu should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during 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 and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t 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 include a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it might just require an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pukahu

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dried air can be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop 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 therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain closed to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Pukahu

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to allow the home to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pukahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pukahu

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukahu for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during a house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home assessment.