Healthy Homes Assessment Grenada North

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Grenada North rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties, as well as completely certified for each of 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 Grenada North rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Grenada North rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined 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 hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have a house evaluation 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?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Grenada North, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Grenada North rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs 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 Draught Control for Grenada North rental properties.

Start now and call about the Grenada North Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Grenada North

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A cold house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within the home need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will examine all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Grenada North

Rental properties in Grenada North require a reliable source of heating which can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 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 and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must include the thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a fixed heating source, like an air conditioner, it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Grenada North

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Grenada North

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to allow the home to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists 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 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Grenada North Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often what you don’t see that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Grenada North

The areas of rental property that are affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Grenada North include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Grenada North for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to check when conducting an house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to book your rental property home evaluation.