Healthy Homes Assessment Khandallah

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Khandallah rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate both 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

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

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can 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 inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Khandallah, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Khandallah rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Khandallah rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Khandallah Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Khandallah

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A humid home costs more 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 the most 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 or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into the house require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Khandallah

Rental properties in Khandallah should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Khandallah

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Khandallah

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes more easy to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Khandallah Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

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

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Khandallah

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Khandallah include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Khandallah for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine in a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property home evaluation.