Healthy Homes Assessment Pukahu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Pukahu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified to assess both 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Pukahu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Pukahu, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Pukahu rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Pukahu rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pukahu

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Pukahu

Pukahu rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Pukahu

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dried air can be more easy to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Pukahu

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier to the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Pukahu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the 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 Pukahu

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Pukahu include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pukahu for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for in a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. 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 require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.