Healthy Homes Assessment Pirimai

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Pirimai rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Pirimai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Pirimai rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Pirimai, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Pirimai rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less 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 as Draught-stopping within Pirimai rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Pirimai Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Draught Stopping Pirimai

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A cold home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Pirimai

Rental properties in Pirimai should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 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 outlook.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pirimai

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

Insulation Pirimai

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy for the house to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pirimai Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

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

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Rental Property Home Assessments Pirimai

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Pirimai include each:

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

Home Assessments Pirimai for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check during the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.