Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to remember that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Kelson, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Kelson rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping for Kelson rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building when the house warms and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Kelson

Kelson rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Kelson

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the 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 area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.