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 their Pipitea rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Pipitea rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and request a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Pipitea, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Pipitea rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Pipitea rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Pipitea Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Pipitea

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A humid home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Pipitea

Pipitea rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Pipitea

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Pipitea

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Pipitea Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor 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 Pipitea

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Pipitea include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Pipitea for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.