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 of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure that their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals 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 will assess your rental property and determine 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 which requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to assess 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 work have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

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

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to remember that a landlord with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and request a house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

About 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the quality of Crofton Downs rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Crofton Downs rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out from your house require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs require a reliable heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to top up with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be much easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs to be able open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets current quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task for the household to hold warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental 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.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the 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

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine when conducting the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.