Healthy Homes Assessment Kingston

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 are now required to ensure that their Kingston rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties and are fully certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Kingston, and research indicates that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Kingston rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping on Kingston rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Kingston Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingston

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or crack that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Kingston

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

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Kingston

Every living space in a rental house must have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kingston

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

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

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge 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 – the rest part 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kingston Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingston

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Kingston include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingston for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in a house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.