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 now have to make sure 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 are required to be completely compliant 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 your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, and 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

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out 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 signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Kenepuru, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Kenepuru rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Kenepuru rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kenepuru

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the building when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kenepuru

Rental properties in Kenepuru must have a fixed heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, then it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it could require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kenepuru

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Kenepuru

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to allow the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kenepuru Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kenepuru

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Kenepuru include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kenepuru for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in an house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house evaluation.