Healthy Homes Assessment Karori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Karori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified for each of 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 brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with 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 call us now and request an home assessment performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Karori, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the quality of Karori rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Karori rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Karori Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A cold house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Karori

Rental properties in Karori require a reliable source of heating that is able to heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the 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. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Karori

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Karori

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the home to keep 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 the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karori

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Karori include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to book your rental property home assessment.