Healthy Homes Assessment Kenepuru

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must 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 must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Kenepuru, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Kenepuru rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kenepuru

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within your house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Kenepuru

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

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it should have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might just require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kenepuru

Every living space of the rental property should contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Kenepuru

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

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier to allow the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kenepuru Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kenepuru

Rental property areas affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Kenepuru include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kenepuru for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient 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 being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house evaluation.