Healthy Homes Assessment Akina

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Akina rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for an Akina rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on the Akina rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is important to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Akina, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Akina rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Akina rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Akina Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Akina

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine all windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Akina

Rental properties in Akina must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 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 as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might require an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Akina

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Akina

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task for the household to keep heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

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

Akina Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into 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 apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Akina

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

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Akina for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.