Healthy Homes Assessment Korokoro

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Korokoro rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. 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 comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Korokoro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Korokoro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Korokoro, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the quality of Korokoro rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping for Korokoro rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Korokoro

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is probably a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Korokoro

Rental properties in Korokoro should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC 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 wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet 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 sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Korokoro

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising how dry air is easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Korokoro

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make it easier for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

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

Korokoro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Korokoro

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Korokoro include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Korokoro for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.