Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Cannons Creek 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 fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that requirements to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on the Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Cannons Creek, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Cannons Creek rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Cannons Creek rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the building as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Cannons Creek

Cannons Creek rental properties need to have a stable heating source that is able to heat the largest or main living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space already has a permanent heating source, such as a heat pump, then it may require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Cannons Creek

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and it will make much easier for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and 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

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

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and stop it from coming inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the 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 Cannons Creek

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Cannons Creek include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in a house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.