Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals are required to be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be done, and provide a report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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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 Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research indicates that rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Gracefield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Gracefield rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught from a hole or gap that is, it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within your house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped whenever possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the building as the house heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it might just require a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Gracefield

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and 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 considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements at least open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Gracefield

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making it easier to the home to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s typically not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Gracefield include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for during the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house assessment.