Healthy Homes Assessment Karaka Bays

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Karaka Bays rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in 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 requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’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 complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Karaka Bays rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Karaka Bays rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Karaka Bays, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Karaka Bays rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping for Karaka Bays rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Karaka Bays Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karaka Bays

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Karaka Bays

Karaka Bays rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karaka Bays

Every living space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Karaka Bays

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make much easier to the home to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Karaka Bays Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

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 the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karaka Bays

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Karaka Bays include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karaka Bays for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.