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 July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Kingston rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must 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 can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified to assess each of 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Kingston, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Kingston rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Kingston rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Kingston Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingston

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within houses. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught 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 coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Kingston

Kingston rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kingston

Each liveable space in a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Kingston

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to allow the house to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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.

Kingston Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full 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 to The Healthy Homes Standard in Kingston include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingston for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.