Healthy Homes Assessment Kenepuru

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Kenepuru rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under 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 up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is also important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Kenepuru, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the standard of Kenepuru rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Kenepuru rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Kenepuru Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kenepuru

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kenepuru

Kenepuru rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kenepuru

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Kenepuru

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes it easier for the household to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kenepuru Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kenepuru

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard 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 variety of concerns to be able to examine during an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.