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 July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure 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 certified 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 to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified for both 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Arakura, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Arakura rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping in Arakura rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Arakura Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Arakura

Rental properties in Arakura need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it may need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds 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 on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Arakura

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Arakura

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing 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 with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Arakura include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• 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 have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.