Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st 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 and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done and provide a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely certified to evaluate 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have an house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Kelson, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the standard of Kelson rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Kelson rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Kelson

Kelson rental properties need to have a stable heating source which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space of a rental house must contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air is easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Kelson

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers 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 may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier to the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your 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, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental property house assessment.