Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely 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 assess your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also important to remember that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research suggests that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the standard of Cannons Creek rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Cannons Creek rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out from your house require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Cannons Creek rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Cannons Creek

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier to the household to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Cannons Creek

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Cannons Creek include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine when conducting an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental properties home evaluation.