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 now have to ensure 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 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate 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 tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Kelson rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Contact us now to discuss the Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Kelson

Kelson rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate 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 aren’t considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it may require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space of a rental home must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air is much easier to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Kelson

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier for the home to keep heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor 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 with The Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home assessment.