Healthy Homes Assessment Pakipaki

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? Landlords now have to ensure that their Pakipaki rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified to evaluate each of 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Pakipaki rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Pakipaki, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the quality of Pakipaki rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Pakipaki rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pakipaki

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out of your home need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Pakipaki

Rental properties in Pakipaki need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. 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 requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pakipaki

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Pakipaki

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making it easier for the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pakipaki Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pakipaki

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pakipaki for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a 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 sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions 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 a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.