Healthy Homes Assessment Cannons Creek

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Cannons Creek rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to 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 can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6793

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Cannons Creek rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the lease contract as the person leasing the property out which could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Cannons Creek rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Cannons Creek rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Cannons Creek Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Cannons Creek

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A cold house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of the home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building when the household is heated and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Cannons Creek

Rental properties in Cannons Creek need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat pump it must include an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Cannons Creek

Every living space in a rental house must include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, and stay set in an opening position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require adequate extractor fans that are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

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

A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Cannons Creek

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, as well as making an easier task for the household to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Cannons Creek Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Learn more about 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 Standards in Cannons Creek include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Cannons Creek for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property house evaluation.