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 of July 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure 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 areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be done and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request an house evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households the property in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Crofton Downs rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping in Crofton Downs rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A damp home costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs require a reliable heating source that can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as heat pumps, it may require an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard as they are either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space in a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that a property that is well 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 such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, but remain closed to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and it will make much easier to allow the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

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

Learn more about this 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 inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

The areas of rental property that are affected through Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting a home assessment to see if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes 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 Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.