Healthy Homes Assessment Pukahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Pukahu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach 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 healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified for 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Pukahu, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Pukahu rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Pukahu rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Pukahu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukahu

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the household warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Pukahu

Rental properties in Pukahu must have a fixed heating source that can warm the living space to at least 18degC 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 well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pukahu

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air will be easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Pukahu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the household to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements 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 resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pukahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor 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 Pukahu

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Pukahu include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukahu for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property home assessment.