Healthy Homes Assessment Khandallah

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 are now required to make sure that their Khandallah rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Khandallah, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Khandallah rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on 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 less temperature in houses. A cold house will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Khandallah

Khandallah rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Khandallah

Each living space within a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air will be easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Khandallah

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make more easy to allow the home to keep heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Khandallah Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring 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

The areas of rental property that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Khandallah include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Khandallah for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home evaluation.