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 July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’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 not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done within 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Kelson, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Kelson rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Kelson rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kelson

Kelson rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might just need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kelson

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Kelson

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to allow the house to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this 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 with the Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.