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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a Healthy Homes Evaluation Report?
Who is PropertySafe?
Why choose us?
Why should I have a Healthy Homes Evaluation?
What's included in the Healthy Homes Evaluation Report (the scope)?
What does the report look like?
Is there a further discount if I order for multiple properties?
What happens after I order a report?
Are the inspectors qualified and insured?
Is this a compliance report?
How long will the inspection take?
How long is the report valid for?
Am I obligated to rectify any issues discovered?
How do I know what action is needed?
When will I get the report?
What is the purpose of a Healthy Homes Evaluation Report?

The purpose of the Healthy Homes Evaluation is to provide you with comprehensive detailed report for your investment property. The report identifies all the minimum standard requirements as per the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 and will provide you with the opportunity to make compliant any issues. PropertySafe will also include the preliminary reporting of any identifiable hazards. Upon the property becoming compliant a Certificate of Compliance and Section 13A Statement will be issued for your records.

Who is PropertySafe?

PropertySafe are an international service specialising in safety inspections on residential properties, owner-occupied or rented. We assess properties on behalf of landlords and property managers providing recommendations to maximise the safety of occupants. Our Healthy Homes Evaluation checks the minimum standard requirements as per the Healthy Homes Standards for investment properties and can issue a Certificate of Compliance as well as a Section 13A Statement once all non-compliant issues are addressed.

Why choose us?

PropertySafe are an independent company who are looking out for your interests. Our goal is to provide you with simplicity, assurance and protection. In addition, we identify any high-risk life-threatening risks at the property. This includes smoke alarms, pool fencing, building, glass, electrical, inhalation and fall observations.

Why should I have a Healthy Homes Evaluation?

The Healthy Homes Standards became law on 1 July 2019. Landlords must keep records of all documents that show how they are complying with the Healthy Homes Standards. Engaging with PropertySafe for the evaluation is an effective way to make sure your rental property is compliant. Through the report, you will have the opportunity to ensure that standards are met and if the property is compliant, a dated Certificate of Compliance and Section 13A Statement will be issued for your records. Landlords could be liable for a fine if the property is not compliant.

What's included in the Healthy Homes Evaluation Report (the scope)?

The report will assess whether the property or specific requirement is compliant or non-compliant against all five standards:-

Insulation:

The minimum level of ceiling and underfloor insulation must either meet the 2008 Building Code, or (for existing ceiling insulation) have a minimum thickness of 120mm and be in reasonable condition with no dampness, damage or displacement.

Ventilation & Extraction:

Ventilation must include openable windows in each habitable space. The windows must comprise at least 5% of the floor area of that space. An appropriately sized extraction fan or rangehood must be installed in rooms with a bath, shower or indoor cooktop.

Heating:

The main living room must have a fixed heating device that can heat the room to at least 18°C. The new regulations clarify the requirements for heating devices – some will not meet the requirements under the heating standard as they are inefficient, unaffordable or unhealthy.

Draught Stopping:

Any gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that cause unreasonable draughts must be remedied. This includes all unused open fireplaces and chimneys.

Moisture Ingress and drainage:

The standards reinforce the existing law which states that landlords must have adequate drainage and guttering. If a rental property has an enclosed subfloor space, it must have an on-ground moisture barrier, which will stop moisture rising into the home.

PropertySafe will also include the preliminary reporting of any identifiable hazards whilst at the property. These observations are cautionary notes added by the inspector of identifiable hazards and are provided as an aid to raise the general awareness of risks that might arise in the property. For a full list of all the items contained within the report please see our SCOPE

What does the report look like?

Click HERE to see a SAMPLE Healthy Homes Evaluation report.

Is there a further discount if I order for multiple properties?

Yes, we do offer discounts for multiple reports, please contact us for a quote

What happens after I order a report?
  1. Qualified inspector is assigned to the evaluation
  2. Tenant is contacted to arrange an inspection
  3. Evaluation is scheduled and you are notified
  4. The evaluation should only take 45mins – 1.5 hrs
  5. Report is processed onsite and emailed to you on the same day and in some cases within two hours.
Are the inspectors qualified and insured?

Yes, every inspector must adhere to the following:

  • Have nationally recognised qualifications in Building with at least Low Rise, Carpentry and/or a Building Inspection diploma/certification.
  • Completed and clear a national police check.
  • Complete the PropertySafe Certification requirements being:
    • Successfully completed over 40 hours of on-line education via R.T.O. Novaskil (individual certificate available on request).
    • Competently completed over 100 hours infield training, supervision and assessment.
    • Agreed to the PropertySafe Inspector Code of Conduct (copy available on request).
    • Have current certified Professional Indemnity insurance $5,000,000 any one Claim and $10,000,000 in the aggregate.
    • Have current Public Liability insurance $5,000,000
Is this a compliance report?

Yes. If the rental property is found to be compliant or any issues rectified with proof, a dated Certificate of Compliance and Section 13A Statement will be issued.

How long will the inspection take?

The time taken on the property will vary depending upon the size of the property and the level of magnitude of any issues. The inspector is usually on-site for between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.

How long is the report valid for?

At this stage, once your rental property has been certified compliant there is no expiry date. 

Am I obligated to rectify any issues discovered?

Yes, any Healthy Homes compliance issue must be attended too. Here are some important dates to consider:-

  • The rental property will have to comply with the standards within 90 days of the renewal or start of a new tenancy after 1 July 2021.
  • If the tenancy starts, or is renewed after 1 July 2021, then the landlord must comply with the standards within 90 days of the start or renewal of your tenancy.
  • By 1 July 2024 all rental homes must comply with the healthy homes standards

Source – https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/healthy-homes-compliance-timeframes/

How do I know what action is needed?
  1. Report will be delivered to you and any non-compliance issues are identified
  2. You or your Property Manager will be able to review and resolve any non-compliance issues identified
  3. Non-compliance work completed
  4. Evidence of works completed and supplied to PropertySafe
  5. On validation and authorisation the Certificate of Compliance and Section 13A Statement will be issued
When will I get the report?

As soon as the inspector completes the on-site evaluation, the report is automatically compiled and will be sent to you on the same day, often within a couple of hours.