Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? 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 are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work that requirements to be completed and provide a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to evaluate 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, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

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

In addition, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Crofton Downs rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Crofton Downs rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it should include a thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like heat pumps, it might require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Every living space of a rental property must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is about recognising that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to the new quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making it easier to the house to hold warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 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 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Crofton Downs Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is usually not apparent that it could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Crofton Downs

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Crofton Downs include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting the home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.