Healthy Homes Assessment Grenada North

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 now have to make sure their Grenada North rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully compliant 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 standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified to evaluate 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Grenada North rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on the Grenada North rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or misleading Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord with multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home evaluation performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Grenada North, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improve the quality of Grenada North rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Grenada North rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Grenada North Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Grenada North

Draughts can lead to less temperature in homes. A cold home is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your home need the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure when the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test all doors and windows in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being homes

Heating Grenada North

Grenada North rental properties need to have a stable source of heating that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the 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 heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

See the full details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Grenada North

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Grenada North

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required in all rental homes since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task for the house to keep the heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Grenada North Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists 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 Grenada North

Areas of rental properties that are impacted with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Grenada North include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Grenada North for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house assessment.