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 are now required to ensure that their Khandallah rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified for each of 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 tenancy is signed on a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in 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 reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of this law. 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 shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have 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 lessen the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over 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 Draught Stopping within Khandallah rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Khandallah

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A damp house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the household warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Khandallah

Rental properties in Khandallah must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat 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 that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Khandallah

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Khandallah

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task to the house to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Khandallah Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps 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

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Khandallah include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Khandallah for Rental Properties

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

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.