Healthy Homes Assessment Kilbirnie

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 now have to ensure that their Kilbirnie rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under 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 connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house inspection 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 important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Kilbirnie, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Kilbirnie rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Kilbirnie rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Kilbirnie Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kilbirnie

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kilbirnie

Kilbirnie rental properties require a reliable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it may need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kilbirnie

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a 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 dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Kilbirnie

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kilbirnie Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the 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 with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Kilbirnie include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kilbirnie for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home assessment.