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 make sure their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for 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, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to be aware that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Gracefield, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Gracefield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less maintenance costs in the long run.

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

Begin now by calling about getting a Gracefield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the house need sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the building as the household is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield should have a permanent source of heating that can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), then it must include an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces 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 just need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Gracefield

Every living space in the rental property should include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dried air can be more easy to heat and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses a bath, shower cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, 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 are required to make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy to the household to hold warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is frequently what you don’t see that could become a major issue, causing damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

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

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.