Healthy Homes Assessment Kenepuru

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Kenepuru rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely 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 evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under 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 properties and are completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Kenepuru, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Kenepuru rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, 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, and Draught-stopping within Kenepuru rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Kenepuru Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kenepuru

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A humid home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the household is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Kenepuru

Kenepuru rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kenepuru

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or skylight needs to be able open to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Kenepuru

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to the home to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• 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 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

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

Kenepuru Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kenepuru

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Kenepuru include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kenepuru for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house evaluation.