Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home inspection performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the standard of Cannons Creek rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Cannons Creek rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a 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 homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out into your home require to be sealed. For instance, if an 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 these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow movement of the building as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek require a reliable heating source that can heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is 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 required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to have the thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising how dried air can be easier to heat and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to be able to open to the outside while remaining closed to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Cannons Creek

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes more easy for the home to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full 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 by The Healthy Homes Standard in Cannons Creek include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.