Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure 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 rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work that needs to be done and provide a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to assess 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in significant fines and still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Crofton Downs rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Crofton Downs rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within your house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household heats and cools, in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will test the windows and doors in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties must have a fixed heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it requirements to have the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dried air can be less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Crofton Downs

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and will also make much easier to allow the household to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

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

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of 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 through Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in an house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenant solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.