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 effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure 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 are required to be fully 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 assess your rental property to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under 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 connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as 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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s crucial to remember that a landlord with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report four or more major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Crofton Downs rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out from the home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the home warms and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must have a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source like heat pumps, it might need an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising that dry air will be less difficult to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement to all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, as well as making more easy to the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

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

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

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Property rental areas that are affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over when conducting a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• 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 falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.