Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Gracefield 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 completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be current when the tenancy contract is executed, and it is updated during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It’s crucial to remember that landlords with several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households homes in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Gracefield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Gracefield rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Gracefield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out of your home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the home heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will examine all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest winter 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 heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, 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 standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Gracefield

Every living space of a rental house must include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Gracefield

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets current quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and damp, and also makes more easy to allow the household to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

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

An underground moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to The Healthy Homes Standard in Gracefield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to look over during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.