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 of July 2021? Landlords must 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 rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st 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 determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’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 $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Arakura, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Arakura rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Arakura rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Arakura

Arakura rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Arakura

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Arakura

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to allow the house to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Arakura

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Arakura include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.