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 a renewed or new 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 evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s also crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Kelson rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Kelson rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the home is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson need to have a stable source of heating that can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will 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 safe heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Each liveable space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Kelson

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier to the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of the 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 with the Healthy Homes Standard in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house assessment.