Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done and offer the report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Kelson rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Kelson rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson require a reliable source of heat that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it needs to be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it could need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Each liveable space in a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Kelson

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, as well as making more easy to allow the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

Rental property areas affected to the Healthy Homes Standards in Kelson include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check in a house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.