Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights

Offering Kingsley Heights landlords and tenants rental properties peace of mind
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 ensure their Kingsley Heights rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777
healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Kingsley Heights, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Kingsley Heights rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Kingsley Heights rental properties.

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

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How Other People Rate Us

An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
When should I need to be in compliance with The Healthy Homes Standards?

Kingsley Heights Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies signed between 1 July 2019 and the 30th June in 2021

  • Underfloor and ceiling insulation is compulsory throughout Kingsley Heights and New Zealand rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to put in.
  • A Healthy Homes Declaration of Intent along with an Insulation Declaration and an Insurance Statement must be included in any renewal, new or varied tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords are required to keep records that prove compliance with all Healthy Homes Standard that apply or will be applied during the tenancy of their rental properties.

From 1 July 2021

  • Property managers and private landlords must ensure their rental properties conform to the Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of a renewal, new or a change in tenancy.
  • All boarder households (except Kainga Ora and registered Community Housing Provider boarder house tenancies) are required to comply with Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the date when the tenancy started.

From July 1st 2023

  • All homes which are rented by Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers are required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.

Beginning 1 July 2024

  • All rental houses have to meet the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of when the tenancy began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley Heights

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Kingsley Heights

Kingsley Heights rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kingsley Heights

Each living space within the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

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A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Kingsley Heights

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes it easier to allow the home to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

  • Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
  • Zone 2 – all of the 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Kingsley Heights Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
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Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingsley Heights

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Kingsley Heights include each:

  • Living Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Room
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley Heights for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

  • Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
  • Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
  • Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
  • Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
  • Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.

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Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights Wellington 5018

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors, we are experts in all components associated with professional home Inspections. We’re there to make sure that you make the correct choice when it comes to buying your next home.

We are serious about your investment, and undertake detailed inspections so you won’t receive any expensive or unwelcome surprise costs, meaning you can relax and focus on the fun parts of owning or purchasing a home.

We specialise in a range of services to make sure you are completely informed about the condition of any property you may be looking to purchase or sell along with other services.

Not only do we cooperate with you, we also work with big clients like municipal councils and banks and insurance companies. Evidently , they are pleased with their peace of mind provided, because of the information contained included in our reports on building inspections.

We have a systematic approach to your inspection of your home and the latest software technology including digital photos imbedded into your reports, you can actually see any issues that could be found. Thanks to our comprehensive reporting it is easy to understand why we get so many clients recommending our services to their family and friends.

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Comprehensive House Reports

  • Pre Purchase & Pre Sale Reports
  • Building Condition Reports
  • Healthy Homes Assessments
  • General Consultancy
  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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