Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must 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 rentals must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties we are completely certified to evaluate 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they may receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Cannons Creek rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping on Cannons Creek rental properties.

Begin now by calling about having a 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 houses. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are 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 an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out of the home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the household warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Cannons Creek

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

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like an air conditioner, it could need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside and remain at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Cannons Creek

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes more easy for the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part 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 standard.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete 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 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 to be able to examine during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.