Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 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 rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of 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 relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified to evaluate 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they could receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

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

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to remember that a landlord with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Kelson, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who reported at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Kelson rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Kelson rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

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

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

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Kelson

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy for the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of 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 to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard 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 a house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.