Healthy Homes Assessment Kingston

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Kingston 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 conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in 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 whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Kingston rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Kingston, and research shows us that these rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Kingston rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Kingston rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Kingston Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kingston

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A cold house costs more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit within the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the house is heated and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check all windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Kingston

Rental properties in Kingston should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to have an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it may require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kingston

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Kingston

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier to allow the home to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Kingston Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Kingston

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Kingston include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kingston for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.