Healthy Homes Assessment Arakura

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Arakura 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 must be completely 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 assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to assess 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, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Arakura, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Arakura rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Arakura rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Arakura

Rental properties in Arakura need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of 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 existing fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Arakura

Each liveable space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay closed to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Arakura

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Arakura

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Arakura include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.