Healthy Homes Assessment Arakura

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Arakura rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals 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 evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on an Arakura rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Arakura, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Arakura rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within 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 dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your home require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Arakura

Arakura rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Arakura

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

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

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Arakura

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task for the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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 quality.

Arakura Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Arakura

The areas of rental property that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Arakura include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Arakura for Rental Properties

There are many things to check when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home assessment.