Healthy Homes Assessment Kilbirnie

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Kilbirnie rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to evaluate both 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 tenancy is signed on a Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 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 currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or 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 adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Kilbirnie, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Kilbirnie rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Kilbirnie rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Kilbirnie Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kilbirnie

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into the home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

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

Heating Kilbirnie

Rental properties in Kilbirnie should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, 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 as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might just need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kilbirnie

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Kilbirnie

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making it easier for the household to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• 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 floor 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

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

Kilbirnie Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 Kilbirnie

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Kilbirnie include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kilbirnie for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during an home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties home evaluation.