Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Kingsley Heights rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in 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 related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified for 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

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

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Kingsley Heights, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Kingsley Heights rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Kingsley Heights rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley Heights

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within your home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Kingsley Heights

Kingsley Heights rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if 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 mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it might just require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kingsley Heights

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Kingsley Heights

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier for the home to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 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 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kingsley Heights Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that 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 property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingsley Heights

The areas of rental property that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Kingsley Heights include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley Heights for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.