Healthy Homes Assessment Putorino

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Putorino 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 are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Putorino rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Putorino, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Putorino rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Putorino rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Putorino Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Putorino

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from your house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check all 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 important for healthy houses

Heating Putorino

Putorino rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Putorino

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs at least open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Putorino

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the house to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Putorino 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 to allow surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent 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 Putorino

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Putorino include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Putorino for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.