Healthy Homes Assessment Korokoro

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 must ensure that their Korokoro rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Korokoro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Korokoro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Korokoro, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Korokoro rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Korokoro rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Korokoro Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Korokoro

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside households. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Korokoro

Rental properties in Korokoro must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the coldest winter 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 remain fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Korokoro

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Korokoro

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part 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, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Korokoro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Korokoro

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Korokoro include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Korokoro for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during an house assessment to see if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.