Healthy Homes Assessment Poukawa

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 are now required to make sure that their Poukawa rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to assess both 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 on a Poukawa rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Poukawa, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Poukawa rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Poukawa rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Poukawa Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Poukawa

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of the home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Poukawa

Poukawa rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it may require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Poukawa

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising how dried air can be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Poukawa

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be added 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 more easy to the house to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

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 about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Poukawa

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Poukawa include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Poukawa for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.