Healthy Homes Assessment Pipitea

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Pipitea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

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

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Pipitea rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning 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 as Draught stopping within Pipitea rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Pipitea

Rental properties in Pipitea need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Pipitea

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

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

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

Every window, door or skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Pipitea

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to allow the home to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

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

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Pipitea

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Pipitea include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.