Healthy Homes Assessment Gracefield

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure their Gracefield rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done and offer the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully certified to assess 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, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Gracefield rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be done inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to be aware that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face more severe penalties for not complying. The most severe penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households from New Zealand and Gracefield, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than the houses of owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Gracefield rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means 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, and Draught Control for Gracefield rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Gracefield Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Gracefield

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in households. A draughty home costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating out of a hole or gap and you can feel it, it is likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of the house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. 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.

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Gracefield

Gracefield rental properties must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need a top up to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard as they are either not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or unsafe to operate.

Find the complete specifications regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Gracefield

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening door or window.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside and remain closed, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Gracefield

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness and will also make more easy for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Gracefield Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building it is also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Gracefield

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Gracefield include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Gracefield for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for during the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Is the heater equipped with sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house assessment.