Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be done, and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties and are completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant could receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person 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 current when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s important to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have a house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent homes in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improve the quality of Cannons Creek rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Cannons Creek rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in homes. A damp home will cost more to heat, which results in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it might require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dry air will be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain closed to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Cannons Creek

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes much easier to the house to retain the heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor 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

Property rental areas that are affected through Health Homes Standards. 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 numerous concerns to check during an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.