Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

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? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 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 standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess both 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the quality of Cannons Creek rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control in Cannons Creek rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable 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 or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the building as the household warms and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current fix 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 mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered 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 an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Each liveable space in a rental property must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be easier 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 spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Cannons Creek

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory on all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to allow the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

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

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to remove floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Cannons Creek

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Cannons Creek include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for in the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home assessment.