Healthy Homes Assessment Kingston

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Kingston rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely 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 your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be done and offer the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully certified for 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may 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 landlord or property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Kingston, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Kingston rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Kingston rental properties.

Start now and call about the Kingston Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingston

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A draughty house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Kingston

Kingston rental properties should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kingston

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising how the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that vent towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Kingston

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kingston Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building but you must make sure 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 typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this 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 by the Healthy Homes Standard in Kingston include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingston for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for during the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

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

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.