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 now have to make sure 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 that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’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 any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified for 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 for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improve the standard of Crofton Downs rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Crofton Downs rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A humid house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it is likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement within the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it might need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air is more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to allow the house to hold the heat.

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

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

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Property rental areas that are affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check in the house evaluation to determine if 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?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.