Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure 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 covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done, and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of 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 connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation 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 property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of 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 in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Kelson rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Kelson rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Kelson

Kelson rental properties must have a fixed heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Kelson

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest 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 house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier to the household to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.