Healthy Homes Assessment Kenepuru

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure 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 rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully qualified to evaluate 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting 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 current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to remember that landlords with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Kenepuru, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Kenepuru rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Kenepuru rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Kenepuru Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kenepuru

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

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 winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature 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), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could require an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kenepuru

Every living space of a rental home must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air will be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Kenepuru

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes much easier to allow the home to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• 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 quality.

Kenepuru Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kenepuru

The areas of rental property that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Kenepuru include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kenepuru for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.