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 of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work which requirements to be completed, and offer an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re 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

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

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

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Cannons Creek rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Get started now and contact us about having a Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A draughty home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or a clear draught from a gap or hole or crack, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within the home require to be sealed. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 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 as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an update to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air is much easier to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Cannons Creek

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure the insulation meets this new quality. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well 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 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also assists in preventing 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 Cannons Creek

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Cannons Creek include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are many things to check in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.