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? Landlords are now required to make sure their Karori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas 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 is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer a report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to assess 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s also important to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Karori, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the quality of Karori rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Karori rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your house need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Karori

Rental properties in Karori should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karori

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight needs at least to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Karori

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes it easier for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karori

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standard in Karori include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

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

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.