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 of July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure that their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new 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 to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully qualified for each of 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 contract is signed on a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have an house assessment done on your rental property.

Find the full information on how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as heart diseases. In addition, people who reported at least four key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Enhancing the standard of Gracefield rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Stopping within Gracefield rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Gracefield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts may lead to less temperature in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is probably a gap or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the house warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check every window and door in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Gracefield

Rental properties in Gracefield must have a fixed source of heating that can heat the living space to a minimum of 18degC, even on 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 wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it needs to include the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like the heat pump, it could need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Gracefield

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallways are not liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or skylight requirements at least to open to the outside and remain set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Gracefield

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness, and it will make much easier for the house to retain the heat.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values required for your area

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Gracefield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine when conducting an house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house assessment.