Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley Heights

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Kingsley Heights rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Kingsley Heights rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Kingsley Heights, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Kingsley Heights rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping within Kingsley Heights rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Kingsley Heights Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley Heights

Draughts may lead to less temperature in households. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Kingsley Heights

Rental properties in Kingsley Heights need to have a stable heating source that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kingsley Heights

Every living space of the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Kingsley Heights

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier to the household to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kingsley Heights Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed 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 prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingsley Heights

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standard in Kingsley Heights include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley Heights for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does 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 home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.