Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

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 must ensure that 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 rentals are required to 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 will evaluate the rental property you have in order 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 of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the 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 deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Kelson rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test the windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to include an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like the heat pump, it might require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kelson

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Kelson

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to allow the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands 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 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 Kelson

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

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home assessment.