Healthy Homes Assessment Karori

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Karori rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely certified 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 and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in 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 healthy homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Karori rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of 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 done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to remember that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Karori, and research indicates that rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Karori rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Karori rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karori

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

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within your house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the household warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Karori

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

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

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

If your living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it may require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Karori

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Karori

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the household to retain heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Karori Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must 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 is frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karori

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Karori include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karori for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.