Healthy Homes Assessment Karaka Bays

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Karaka Bays 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 fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work that requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’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 landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Karaka Bays rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Karaka Bays rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and 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 when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details 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 rent homes in New Zealand and Karaka Bays, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Karaka Bays rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Karaka Bays rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karaka Bays

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house need to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Karaka Bays

Karaka Bays rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it might require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karaka Bays

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Karaka Bays

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to the household to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• 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, 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Karaka Bays Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karaka Bays

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Karaka Bays include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karaka Bays for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.