Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work that requirements to be done, and provide a report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified for 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, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 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 by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is crucial to be aware that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Crofton Downs rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Crofton Downs rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a gap or hole, then it’s probably a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within your home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever possible.

There is no need to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test the windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it could require an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our 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.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Crofton Downs

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making much easier for the household to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to check during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.