Healthy Homes Assessment Arakura

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a home inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Arakura, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

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

The improvement in the standard of Arakura rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Arakura rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A cold house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into your house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for healthy homes

Heating Arakura

Rental properties in Arakura must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should have an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Arakura

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Arakura

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy for the house to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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 by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Arakura include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.