Healthy Homes Assessment Pakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Pakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be done and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Pakowhai, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Pakowhai rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping in Pakowhai rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Pakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakowhai

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into your house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Pakowhai

Rental properties in Pakowhai should have a permanent heating source which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pakowhai

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Pakowhai

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Pakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pakowhai

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Pakowhai include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakowhai for Rental Properties

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

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.