Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have an house evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research shows us 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 associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Crofton Downs rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Crofton Downs rental properties.

Start now and call about receiving a Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A cold house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes that it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from the house require sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source needs to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding how dry air is easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain at an open angle, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

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

Insulation Crofton Downs

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes an easier task to allow the house to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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

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

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house evaluation.