Healthy Homes Assessment Kilbirnie

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Kilbirnie rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Kilbirnie, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Kilbirnie rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in 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 Stopping within Kilbirnie rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Kilbirnie Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kilbirnie

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from the house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Kilbirnie

Rental properties in Kilbirnie should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to have an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kilbirnie

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Kilbirnie

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to the household to retain heat.

Insulation requirements 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 is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area 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

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

Kilbirnie Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe 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 and ground water to go and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kilbirnie

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Kilbirnie include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kilbirnie for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in the home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.