Healthy Homes Assessment Karaka Bays

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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Karaka Bays rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to assess 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Karaka Bays rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Karaka Bays rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Karaka Bays, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Karaka Bays rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Karaka Bays rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Karaka Bays Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karaka Bays

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A cold house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Karaka Bays

Rental properties in Karaka Bays should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karaka Bays

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that 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.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Karaka Bays

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task to the home to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Karaka Bays Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karaka Bays

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

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karaka Bays for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for during a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.