Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure 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 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 evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the details required to complete 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 any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for each of 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when 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 comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research shows us that these rental homes are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Cannons Creek rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out within the house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it requirements to have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it might just need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door 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 all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Cannons Creek

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes more easy for the home to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this 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 the Healthy Homes Standards in Cannons Creek include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during the home 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 protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.