Healthy Homes Assessment Kingsley-Chatham

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 that their Kingsley-Chatham rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Kingsley-Chatham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Kingsley-Chatham rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Kingsley-Chatham, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Kingsley-Chatham rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

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

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Kingsley-Chatham Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingsley-Chatham

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A cold home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within your house require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the building as the home heats and cools, so that they can still be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Kingsley-Chatham

Rental properties in Kingsley-Chatham should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, 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 health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kingsley-Chatham

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. This 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 high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kingsley-Chatham

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make more easy to allow the household to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 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 the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kingsley-Chatham Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to 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 Kingsley-Chatham

The areas of rental property that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Kingsley-Chatham include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingsley-Chatham for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of 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 need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.