Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Kingsley Heights rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with 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 done and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under 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 as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely 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 Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Kingsley Heights, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Kingsley Heights rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs 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 for Kingsley Heights rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Kingsley Heights Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley Heights

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors as part of 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 Kingsley Heights

Rental properties in Kingsley Heights require a reliable source of heat that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating 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 if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it could require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Kingsley Heights

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kingsley Heights

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier for the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard 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 underfloor 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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kingsley Heights Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingsley Heights

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standards in Kingsley Heights include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley Heights for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during a home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

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