Healthy Homes Assessment Karori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Karori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of 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 healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified 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, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the 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 deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Karori, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Karori rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Karori rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Karori Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A damp house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will inspect every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Karori

Rental properties in Karori require a reliable source of heating that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require some additional energy to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karori

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Karori

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and it will make more easy to the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing 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

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Karori include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to 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 professional advice, call today to book your rental properties house evaluation.