Healthy Homes Assessment Pukahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure 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 rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st 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 and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re 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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Pukahu, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Pukahu rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Pukahu rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Pukahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukahu

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A cold home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the house require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Pukahu

Pukahu rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to have the thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it might just need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pukahu

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dry air is more easy to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Pukahu

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes much easier to the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pukahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pukahu

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukahu for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during a house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful 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 expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.