Healthy Homes Assessment Arakura

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 must make sure that their Arakura rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be completed and provide a report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended 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 building they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest 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 the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Arakura, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Arakura rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Arakura rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Arakura Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the household heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine 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 important for well-being homes

Heating Arakura

Rental properties in Arakura should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might just need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Arakura

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Arakura

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and it will make an easier task to the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient 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 also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Arakura

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.