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 ensure that their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks which needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request an house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

Around 1 in 3 households the property in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Gracefield rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance over the long term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

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

What are unjustifiable 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 a crack or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out into the house require the sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the building as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield should have a permanent heating source that can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended 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) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. For most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it could require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Gracefield

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how dried air can be much easier to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside, but remain set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Gracefield

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier for the home to retain the heat.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the 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 floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s usually the things you don’t notice that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Gracefield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.