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 any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be done and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face 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 certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of 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 is not included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a house evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the standard of Cannons Creek rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in Cannons Creek rental properties.

Start now and call about the Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A damp home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your home require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure as the household 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.

Find the complete specifications regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek require a reliable heating source which can warm the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding that dried air can be easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Cannons Creek

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to allow the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Cannons Creek

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental property house assessment.