Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Crofton Downs 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 that are covered by 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which needs to be done, and offer a report with all the information 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 to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified for both 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, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Crofton Downs rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Crofton Downs rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out into the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it should have a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising how dried air can be easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need proper extractor fan systems that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Crofton Downs

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, as well as making it easier to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Crofton Downs 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 for surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Rental property areas affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check in an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.