Healthy Homes Assessment Akina

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Akina 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 areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be completed and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 365 444

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on an Akina rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Akina rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

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

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Akina, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Akina rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded 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 in Akina rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Akina Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Akina

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Akina

Rental properties in Akina need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Akina

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Akina

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task for the house to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Akina Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Akina

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Akina include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Akina for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.