Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights

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? Landlords now have to make sure their Kingsley Heights rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks that requirements to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6792

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which 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 accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Kingsley Heights, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Kingsley Heights rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Control on Kingsley Heights rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Kingsley Heights Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley Heights

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A draughty home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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

Heating Kingsley Heights

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

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing 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 those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it could need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kingsley Heights

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs at least to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that vent towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Kingsley Heights

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task for the house to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Kingsley Heights Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingsley Heights

Rental property areas affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Kingsley Heights include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley Heights for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require 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 house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property house assessment.