Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place 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.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised 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 pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a home assessment performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on 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 lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to have a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Kelson

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to the household to hold heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

The areas of rental property that are affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Kelson include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.