Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully certified 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 requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as fully certified to assess 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any associated work has been completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Crofton Downs rental properties.

Start now and call about the Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A cold house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as heat pumps, it may need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that dry air is easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making more easy to the home to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting an home 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 well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.