Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

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 must ensure their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by 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. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Kelson, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control within Kelson rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A draughty home costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will inspect every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate 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 suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room 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. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Kelson

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make it easier to the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kelson 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 make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standard in Kelson include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.