Healthy Homes Assessment Khandallah

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Khandallah rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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 will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done, and offer the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both 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 new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Khandallah 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 Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Khandallah, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Khandallah rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Khandallah rental properties.

Start now and call about the Khandallah Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Khandallah

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out of the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Khandallah

Rental properties in Khandallah must have a fixed heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. 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 the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it might just require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Khandallah

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that dry air is much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Khandallah

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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

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

Khandallah Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Khandallah

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Khandallah include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Khandallah for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.