Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

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 ensure their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work required. requirements to be done and offer the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide 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.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be kept updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who report at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Gracefield rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living because of health issues. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Gracefield rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Gracefield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside homes. A humid house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps 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, then it is likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from the home need seals. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield should have a permanent source of heat that can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. 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 an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard as they are either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Gracefield

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about recognising 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 damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not living spaces and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Gracefield

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task for the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your flooring and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor 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

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home assessment.