Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified for both 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Kelson, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Kelson rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A damp home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kelson

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

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside, and stay closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Kelson

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 all of the 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 but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

The areas of rental property that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during the house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

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