Healthy Homes Assessment Kilbirnie

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Kilbirnie rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be done and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties we 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Kilbirnie rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Kilbirnie, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who have reported four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Kilbirnie rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Kilbirnie rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Kilbirnie Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Kilbirnie

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside homes. A humid house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit from the house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important for well-being homes

Heating Kilbirnie

Rental properties in Kilbirnie require a reliable heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it may need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Kilbirnie

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that dried air can be less difficult to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Kilbirnie

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to allow the household to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Kilbirnie Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but 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 the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem and end up causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Kilbirnie include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Kilbirnie for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.