Healthy Homes Assessment Karaka Bays

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Karaka Bays rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified for each of 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 new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Karaka Bays rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Karaka Bays, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Karaka Bays rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance over 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 Control on Karaka Bays rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Karaka Bays Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karaka Bays

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house will cost more 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 or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Karaka Bays

Karaka Bays rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to include the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could require an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karaka Bays

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

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

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. 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.

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

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Karaka Bays

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

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make more easy for the household to retain the heat.

Insulation needs 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 more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Karaka Bays Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and harming 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 that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karaka Bays

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standards in Karaka Bays include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karaka Bays for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.