Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure 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 fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to evaluate 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the standard of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out into the house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being 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 imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Kelson

Kelson rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kelson

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Kelson

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to allow the home to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standard. 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 numerous concerns to look over during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property home evaluation.