Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord with several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Crofton Downs rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Crofton Downs rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for well-being houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it may require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs at least open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to allow the household to retain warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, 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 this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor 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 polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through the Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check during an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.