Healthy Homes Assessment Kelson

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Kelson rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed and provide an assessment report that includes 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 breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Kelson rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Kelson, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Kelson rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Start now and call about having a Kelson Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kelson

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Kelson

Rental properties in Kelson must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kelson

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air will be much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. We offer a 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.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Kelson

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and it will make an easier task to the home to keep heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kelson Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kelson

The areas of rental property that are affected to the Healthy Homes Standard in Kelson include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kelson for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.