Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights

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 now have to ensure their Kingsley Heights rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified to evaluate both 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Kingsley Heights, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Kingsley Heights rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

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 Kingsley Heights rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley Heights

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Kingsley Heights

Kingsley Heights rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to include a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it could require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kingsley Heights

Every living space in a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Kingsley Heights

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making it easier for the house to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kingsley Heights 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 surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the structure. 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 Kingsley Heights

Rental property areas affected to The Healthy Homes Standard in Kingsley Heights include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley Heights for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with 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 replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.