Healthy Homes Assessment Karori

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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Karori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed and provide the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

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

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Karori, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Karori rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Karori rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Karori Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A damp house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap, then it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the home warms and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

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

Heating Karori

Rental properties in Karori need to have a stable heating source that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Karori

Every living space in a rental home must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is less difficult to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs at least of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Karori

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make more easy to allow the home to retain the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation resists 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 remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from entering the home. It also helps 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

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Karori include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.