Between the repeated heavy rainfalls over July, and now hard frosts in some areas, houses can quickly succumb to water damage if not inspected regularly. 

So, what should you look for to avoid minor issues becoming major problems? 

Prevention is the first step. We’ve listed below a few of the areas we check as part of routine inspections. 

To find out more give Kim a call on 03-379-5033, or email to office@rubyhousing.co.nz 

1. Schedule regular clearing of gutters, downpipes and gully traps, six monthly is recommended.
2. When inspecting the property visually check and manually feel pipes and shelves under all sinks and basins, and the pipe under the Hot Water Cylinder. A slow leak can go unseen by a tenant, and not become obvious until the flooring is wet.  
3. Look for bubbling or mould around the shower or path, and behind the toilet. 
4. Check window sills and backs of curtains. In older single glazed homes, condensation can drip down windows onto sills and the floor if not wiped daily. 
5. Overgrown shrubs around a house can prevent airflow through underfloor vents, and allow mould to build on inside walls
6. Even with full insulation, ground moisture barriers and extractor fans, houses need to be aired out daily. Encourage tenants to keep curtains open during the day to let the sun warm the house, and open windows for a bit each day, even in winter. 
7. Good communication from tenants is vital, better they let you know about a small issue than it is left and becomes a major costly problem.