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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Korokoro rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Korokoro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for a Korokoro rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have a house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Korokoro, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Korokoro rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Korokoro rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Korokoro

Draughts can lead to less temperature in households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within your house require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will check every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Korokoro

Rental properties in Korokoro must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it needs to have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Korokoro

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home with shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Korokoro

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task to the household to keep warmth.

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

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

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Korokoro Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Korokoro

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standards 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 myriad of things to check when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.