Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets 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 completed and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to note that landlords with multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a house inspection performed for your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research suggests that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Gracefield rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control within Gracefield rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is 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 entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it is probably a gap or crack that needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out into your house need the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will examine every window and door as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield require a reliable heating source which can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source like a heat pump, then it might just require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Gracefield

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other area in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Gracefield

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets this new standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes more easy to allow the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often what you don’t see that could become a major issue and cause damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically 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 structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting the house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property house evaluation.