Healthy Homes Assessment Arakura

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Arakura rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must 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 check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket 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 now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Arakura, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Arakura rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control for Arakura rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Arakura Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Arakura

Rental properties in Arakura should have a permanent heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must have an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Arakura

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Arakura

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements 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 insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Arakura

Property rental areas that are affected by Health Homes Standards. 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 myriad of concerns to look over when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.