Healthy Homes Assessment Karori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure 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 rental properties 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 determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Karori, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Karori rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Get started now and contact us about the Karori Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A humid home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into your house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Karori

Karori rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karori

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Karori

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

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

Learn more about 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 through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Karori include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to book your rental properties house assessment.