Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We are 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

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

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of this law. 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 likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Crofton Downs rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house need to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the building when the house warms and cools so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must include an thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might just require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space in a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

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

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and will also make more easy to the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective 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 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem, causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and also 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 rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the 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 with The Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check in the house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.