Healthy Homes Assessment Kingston

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Kingston rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully 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 the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Kingston 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 anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement 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 from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

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 given for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Kingston, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Kingston rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Kingston rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingston

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within households. A draughty home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap, then it’s probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Kingston

Rental properties in Kingston need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source like heat pumps, it might just require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Kingston

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Kingston

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

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 better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Kingston Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingston

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Kingston include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingston for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.