Blog Archive - Rent My Property
Nick Smith (Building and Housing Minister) is set to make minimum standards for rental homes Luckily for landlords this won’t be a full warrant of fitness suggest earlier by the government Sources are saying the minimum likely to be: - Insulation installed in ceiling and underfloor - Smoke alarms mandatory in renal homes The costs: Insulation If you have a tenant with a community services card insulation can be discounted through the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes project The website says: “Free ceiling and underfloor insulation for low-income households occupied by people with health needs related to cold, damp housing. Availability will be through regional projects. Home owners or tenants may be eligible if they have a Community Services Card and the house is occupied by someone under 17 years or over 65 years. In some regions, such as Nelson, people will be referred to the programme by the health sector if they are at risk from illness linked to cold, damp housing - e.g. a respiratory condition. Funding is limited in all areas. Although insulation will be free for eligible homeowners and tenants, landlords of the eligible tenants may be asked to make a contribution.” Smoke alarms Finally smoke alarm companies are selling alarms which feature a never change battery “Worry free” lasting up to 10 years. We found this brand at Bunnings Cavius Photelectric Smoke Alarm Quell Hallway Photoelectric Smoke Alarm with Escape Light Both of these have 10 year batteries and are under $70.00 Dunedin council rental property standards
The Dunedin council has a Basic standards for rental properties (more of guide) Before the tenant signs a rental agreement, they use the following guidelines to check that the house is suitable for habitation. The following is take from the council’s website: All rooms All rooms should be as free as possible from dampness Each room should have adequate ventilation and artificial lighting All walls and ceilings should be adequately lined and finished and easily cleaned Every room should be appropriately floored and kept in a good state of repair, free from crevices, holes and depressions All fittings and any supplied appliances should be kept in a good state of repair Electricity and gas supplies must be adequate and safe against fire or injury Each room should be moisture resistant, from outside or other tenancies. A fire escape and safeguards against the outbreak of fire should be provided Smoke detectors should be provided Kitchen The kitchen should have: Space and facilities for the hygienic storage, preparation and cooking of food A utensil-washing sink with taps connected to an adequate supply of potable water Living areas and bedrooms A fireplace and chimney, or an energy source for a heating appliance should be provided Toilet and bathroom The toilet should be installed in a manner that allows for privacy and should discharge into a plumbing and drainage system A bath or shower with an adequate supply of heated water should be provided. Laundry Facilities and space should be available for laundry equipment. If the landlord supplies these appliances they should be adequately maintained An energy source, hot and cold running water and adequate drainage should be provided External The house should be constructed of sound, durable, weatherproof materials and maintained in good condition Every house should be provided with adequate and efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water Wherever there is timber floor, there should be adequate space and vents underneath to ensure proper ventilation for the protection of the floor from damp and decay Condensation and mildew Condensation and subsequent mildew growth can be caused by construction faults but is more commonly caused by moisture generated within the house, such as from cooking, showering, or failure to ventilate. The average adult releases 1/2 litre of water per day just by breathing, so it is important to keep all rooms well ventilated. This information was take from the Dunedin City council website We will update this page as more information comes to light If it gets too hard, get it managed! Comments are closed.
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Nick Powell - Property Manager Specialist - Professionals real estate Categories |