Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets 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. needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping for Crofton Downs rental properties.

Start now and call about the Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s probably a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the house need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs require a reliable source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make much easier to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective 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.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this 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 Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property home assessment.