Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to assess 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 brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with 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 compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Kelson, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping within Kelson rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building when the household warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just require an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air is more easy 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 areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Kelson

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make more easy to allow the household to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The 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 through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many things to check during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home evaluation.