Healthy Homes Assessment Karori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Karori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Karori, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Karori rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Karori rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Karori Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the house need seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Karori

Karori rental properties require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Karori

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising how dry air is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Karori

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make more easy to the house to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karori

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Karori include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during an house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property home evaluation.