Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must 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 if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations 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 healthy homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully certified to assess 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, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties could face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house inspection performed for 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 important?

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

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Additionally, those who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Crofton Downs rental properties.

Start now and call about the Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the house need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the household gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as mobile 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), then it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source such as a heat pump, then it could need an upgrade in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside and remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower cooker or any other moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space 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 dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make it easier for the home to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

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

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Rental property areas affected to Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check during the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

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

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental properties house evaluation.