Healthy Homes Assessment Arakura

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Arakura rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer a report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Arakura, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Arakura rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Arakura rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Arakura Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Arakura

Rental properties in Arakura require a reliable source of heating that can heat the living space to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Arakura

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Arakura

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making much easier for the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Arakura

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Arakura include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.