Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported four or more key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping on Crofton Downs rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out from your house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Crofton Downs

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

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can 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 as well as unflued combustion heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it needs to include a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most homes, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the household to keep heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the 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, 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

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

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things you should look for when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.