Healthy Homes Assessment Crofton Downs

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure 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 compliant by 1 July 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 check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks required. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties and are fully certified for 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, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Crofton Downs rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is completed, and is updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. 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 the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Crofton Downs, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Crofton Downs rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Crofton Downs

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap that is, it is most likely a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will examine all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Crofton Downs

Rental properties in Crofton Downs require a reliable heating source that can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it might need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Crofton Downs

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dried air can 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, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

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

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal house

Insulation Crofton Downs

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and will also make much easier for the home to keep warmth.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

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; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your 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

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Crofton Downs for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to be able to examine in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to book your rental property house evaluation.