Healthy Homes Assessment Kelburn

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 Kelburn rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to 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 will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which needs 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 in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kelburn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kelburn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Kelburn, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Kelburn rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Kelburn rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Kelburn Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelburn

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Kelburn

Rental properties in Kelburn should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source like heat pumps, it might need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kelburn

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Kelburn

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier for the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelburn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. 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 damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelburn

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Kelburn include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelburn for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.