Healthy Homes Assessment Karamu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Karamu rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects 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 meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be done, and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Karamu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Karamu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Karamu, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower well-being.

Improve the standard of Karamu rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Karamu rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karamu

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Karamu

Karamu rental properties need to have a stable heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Karamu

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Karamu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making much easier to the household to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of 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

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

Karamu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karamu

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

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karamu for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.