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 make sure their Kenepuru rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully 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, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

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

It’s also crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Kenepuru, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Kenepuru rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Kenepuru rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kenepuru

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught out of a hole or gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the structure as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Kenepuru

Rental properties in Kenepuru need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it needs to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source such as the heat pump, it might just need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kenepuru

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult 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 rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening door or window.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space 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 comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Kenepuru

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, as well as making more easy for the home to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge 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, 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 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kenepuru Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kenepuru

The areas of rental property that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Kenepuru include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kenepuru for Rental Properties

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

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.