Healthy Homes Assessment Khandallah

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware 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 any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be done and offer the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified to evaluate 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, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Khandallah, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Khandallah rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

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

Get started now and contact us about the Khandallah Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Khandallah

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A cold house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Khandallah

Rental properties in Khandallah need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If the living area already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Khandallah

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Khandallah

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task to the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Khandallah Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface 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 an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Khandallah

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Khandallah include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Khandallah for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house evaluation.