Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties we are completely certified for each of 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 brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Kelson rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Kelson rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from the home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson require a reliable source of heat that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kelson

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Kelson

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy to the home to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.