Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be completed and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It is crucial to remember that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Crofton Downs rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping on Crofton Downs rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. 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 such as heat pumps, it may require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, 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, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is often not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Property rental areas that are affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today and book your rental properties house assessment.