Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Kelson, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improve the standard of Kelson rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Kelson rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A damp home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from the house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson need to have a stable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kelson

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Kelson

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of 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 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through The Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.