Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

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? The landlords are now required to make sure their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to note that landlords who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Cannons Creek rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health and minimise the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control on Cannons Creek rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A draughty home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of the home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for well-being houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek require a reliable source of heat which can warm the living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Each liveable space in the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

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

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Cannons Creek

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task to the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Cannons Creek

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to the Healthy Homes Standards in Cannons Creek include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to check during an home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there 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 being in the wrong of the tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental properties house assessment.