Healthy Homes Assessment Papakowhai

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Papakowhai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Papakowhai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Papakowhai, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Papakowhai rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs 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, and Draught stopping on Papakowhai rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Papakowhai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Papakowhai

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off 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 structure as the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Papakowhai

Rental properties in Papakowhai should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it could need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Papakowhai

Each liveable space in a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air will be much easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Papakowhai

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

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

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Papakowhai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Papakowhai

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Papakowhai include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Papakowhai for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property home assessment.