Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are fully qualified 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, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person 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 up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research has shown that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the quality of Crofton Downs rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on 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 houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within the home require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties should have a permanent source of heating that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might just need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets current quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task to allow the home to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties home evaluation.