Healthy Homes Assessment Poukawa

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Poukawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Poukawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Poukawa, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Poukawa rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Poukawa rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Poukawa

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into your house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Poukawa

Rental properties in Poukawa must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. 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 heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it could require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Poukawa

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Poukawa

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to allow the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Poukawa Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Poukawa

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Poukawa for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine during the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.