Healthy Homes Assessment Pukahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Pukahu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant 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 whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified for 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 on a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is important to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Pukahu, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Pukahu rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Pukahu rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Pukahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukahu

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A damp house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Pukahu

Pukahu rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pukahu

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Pukahu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task to the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pukahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property 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 or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pukahu

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pukahu include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukahu for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

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

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental properties home evaluation.