Healthy Homes Assessment Kingston

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Kingston 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 covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be done and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified 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, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is important to be aware that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Kingston, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Kingston rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Kingston rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingston

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A humid house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Kingston

Kingston rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kingston

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Kingston

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier to allow the household to keep heat.

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

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kingston Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingston

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Kingston include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingston for Rental Properties

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

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house assessment.