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 ensure their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be done and offer a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified for 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Cannons Creek rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Cannons Creek rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within houses. A damp house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within your house require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Cannons Creek rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might just need a top up to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Cannons Creek

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make more easy to the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Cannons Creek

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards 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 a myriad of things you should look for during the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home assessment.