Healthy Homes Assessment Poraiti

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Poraiti rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days 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 can assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 232 113

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Poraiti rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 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 comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Poraiti, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Poraiti rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Poraiti rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Poraiti Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Poraiti

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A humid home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be 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 an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into the home require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes that 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 home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Poraiti

Rental properties in Poraiti require a reliable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need a top up to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Poraiti

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Poraiti

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes much easier to the household to retain heat.

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 the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Poraiti Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Poraiti

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Poraiti for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property home assessment.