Healthy Homes Assessment Kilbirnie

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Kilbirnie rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be done, and provide a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who manage several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have an house inspection 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?

One in three households from New Zealand and Kilbirnie, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Kilbirnie rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Kilbirnie rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Kilbirnie Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kilbirnie

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the building when the household warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Kilbirnie

Rental properties in Kilbirnie must have a fixed heating source that can warm the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it must include an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Kilbirnie

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding how dry air is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kilbirnie

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to allow the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Kilbirnie Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kilbirnie

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kilbirnie for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.