Healthy Homes Assessment Karori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that 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 any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work which requirements to be done and offer the report with all the details required 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 breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, and are completely certified for each of 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Karori, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving 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 is also protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control in Karori rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your home require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure as the home heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Karori

Rental properties in Karori must have a fixed source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, it should be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Karori

Each liveable space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air will be much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Karori

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with 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 higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karori

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Karori include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are many concerns you should look for when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house assessment.