Healthy Homes Assessment Kingston

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 make sure that their Kingston rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by 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 standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that needs to be done, and provide the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are fully qualified to assess each of 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 or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Kingston, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improving the quality of Kingston rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living due to illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Kingston rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Kingston Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingston

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional 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 as the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being homes

Heating Kingston

Rental properties in Kingston must have a fixed heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it requirements to include a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it could require some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kingston

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, and stay closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kingston

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes it easier to allow the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kingston Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s 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 from the ground from getting into the building. 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 Kingston

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingston for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.