Healthy Homes Assessment Kilbirnie

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Kilbirnie rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely 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 the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when 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.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a home 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

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Kilbirnie, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Kilbirnie rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping on Kilbirnie rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Kilbirnie Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kilbirnie

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out of your house require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kilbirnie

Kilbirnie rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. 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 needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable 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 some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it could require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kilbirnie

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least to open up to the outside and remain closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Kilbirnie

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kilbirnie Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kilbirnie

The areas of rental property that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standard in Kilbirnie include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kilbirnie for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.