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 now have to make sure their Arakura rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Arakura, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Arakura rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping for Arakura rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Arakura

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A cold house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

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 is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Arakura

Rental properties in Arakura should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Arakura

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be more easy 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 such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside and remain closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Arakura

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task for the home to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Arakura

Rental property areas affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Arakura include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check when conducting a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.