Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must make sure their Crofton Downs rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on the Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and request an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research shows us that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who report at least four major issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control for Crofton Downs rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about the Crofton Downs Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out into your house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each liveable space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes more easy to allow the house to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

• 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.