Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes related fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

As of 1st July 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in large fines in addition to 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 an home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Gracefield rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see a clear draught out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the house warms and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being houses

Heating Gracefield

Gracefield rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Gracefield

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising it is that dry air is less difficult to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Gracefield

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making more easy to allow the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well 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 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring 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

Areas of rental properties that are impacted to Healthy Homes Standard. 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 a myriad of things you should look for in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch today to book your rental properties home evaluation.