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 make sure that their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work required. requirements to be done and provide the 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 under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is completed, and should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improving the quality of Gracefield rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over 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 Draught stopping on Gracefield rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A humid house is more expensive to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield should have a permanent source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room 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 health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it should be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it could need an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Gracefield

Each living space within a rental property has to have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

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

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight needs to be able open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Gracefield

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory to all rental houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be added 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 keep heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist 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 part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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 the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over in an home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.