Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Kingsley Heights 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 are required to be completely 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified to assess both 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, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment done for your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Kingsley Heights, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Kingsley Heights rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Kingsley Heights rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Kingsley Heights Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley Heights

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out into the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Kingsley Heights

Kingsley Heights rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most 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 heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new 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 offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might just require an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kingsley Heights

Every living space of the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Kingsley Heights

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make much easier for the household to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kingsley Heights Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor 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

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Kingsley Heights include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley Heights for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property house assessment.