Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new 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 your rental property to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified for each of 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Kelson, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Kelson rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Kelson

Kelson rental properties require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might just require an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air is much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Kelson

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. 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 house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task to allow the household to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

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

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.