Healthy Homes Assessment Kelburn

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Kelburn rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’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 who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

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 Kelburn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Kelburn rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Kelburn, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Kelburn rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Kelburn rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelburn

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the home need seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kelburn

Kelburn rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might require an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Kelburn

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms 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.

Every window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kelburn

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the house to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area 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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kelburn Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelburn

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Kelburn include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelburn for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to be able to examine when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.