Healthy Homes Assessment Kenepuru

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Kenepuru rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Kenepuru rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply 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 penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and request a house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Kenepuru, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Kenepuru rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance 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 Stopping in Kenepuru rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Kenepuru Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kenepuru

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap that is, it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into the house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the home warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Kenepuru

Rental properties in Kenepuru should have a permanent heating source that can heat the living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, 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 well-being.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, then it must include the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a central heating source like an air conditioner, it might need an update to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Kenepuru

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Kenepuru

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to the household to hold heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kenepuru Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kenepuru

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standard in Kenepuru include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kenepuru for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.