Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know 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 must be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. needs to be completed, and offer the report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

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

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for severe violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in massive fines as well as still being required to adhere to the regulations. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Find the full information on this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Gracefield, and research has shown that these rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Gracefield rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less costs of maintenance 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 stopping on Gracefield rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A humid house will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting money and energy.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is probably a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from the house require seals. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever possible.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the home heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will check all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure well-being houses

Heating Gracefield

Gracefield rental properties require a reliable source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. In most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it might just require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Gracefield

Each liveable space in a rental home must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is about recognising how dried air can be less difficult to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability open to the outside, but remain closed in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces, including suitable extractor fans in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Gracefield

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the home to retain heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually not apparent that it could be a huge problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the 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 with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Gracefield include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental property home assessment.