Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

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

Failure to meet the obligations 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 up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6791

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is letting the property out 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 accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in massive fines as well as continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

The improvement in the quality of Gracefield rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Gracefield rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the house need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will examine all windows and doors in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. 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 needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it should include the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might just need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Gracefield

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about understanding that dry air is easier to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Gracefield

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making more easy to allow the house to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is often those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from entering the building. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over during the home evaluation to determine if 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 water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.