Healthy Homes Assessment Camborne

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Camborne rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under 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 $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Camborne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Camborne rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and request a house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Camborne, and research indicates that rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Improving the standard of Camborne rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control in Camborne rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Camborne Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Camborne

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into your house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will test the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Camborne

Camborne rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it may need a top up to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Camborne

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to remove moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging how dry air is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Camborne

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the household to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and 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

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

Camborne Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Camborne

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Camborne include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Camborne for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine in a home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house 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 ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.