Healthy Homes Assessment Poraiti

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Poraiti rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully 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 will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Poraiti rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could 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 signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Poraiti, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Poraiti rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Poraiti rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Poraiti Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Poraiti

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of the home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Poraiti

Poraiti rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC 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 health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it may require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Poraiti

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Poraiti

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making it easier for the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Poraiti Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Poraiti

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Poraiti include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Poraiti for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.