Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Cannons Creek 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 in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in 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. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property call us now and arrange to have an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research shows us that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Cannons Creek rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control within Cannons Creek rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure as the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will check the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts 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 if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In certain situations, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it could require a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Every living space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to be able to open to the outside and remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home with shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that vent to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Cannons Creek

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making an easier task to the household to hold heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Cannons Creek

The areas of rental property that are affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Cannons Creek include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in an home assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.