Healthy Homes Assessment Karamu

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas that are covered by 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’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks required. requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Karamu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Karamu rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is also important to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house assessment done for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Karamu, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Karamu rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Karamu rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Karamu Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Karamu

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A humid house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within your house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Karamu

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

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it should include a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might just require some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Karamu

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dried air can be easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Karamu

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to allow the home to hold 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 can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Karamu Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Karamu

Property rental areas that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Karamu include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Karamu for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.