Healthy Homes Assessment Khandallah

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Khandallah rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified 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 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 the tasks that requirements to be done and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, 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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Khandallah rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 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 finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, 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 building they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Khandallah, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Khandallah rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in 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 in Khandallah rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Khandallah

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from the house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Khandallah

Rental properties in Khandallah must have a fixed heating source that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (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 existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it could need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Khandallah

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Khandallah

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to allow the home to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of 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 the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Khandallah

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

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Khandallah for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check in a house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.