Healthy Homes Assessment Khandallah

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Khandallah rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Khandallah, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Khandallah rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Khandallah rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Khandallah Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Khandallah

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to block up intentional 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 structure as the house warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Khandallah

Khandallah rental properties need to have a stable source of heat 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 recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Khandallah

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Khandallah

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making an easier task for the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Khandallah Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed 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 stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor 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 Khandallah

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Khandallah include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Khandallah for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.