Healthy Homes Assessment Grenada Village

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Grenada Village rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work required. needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified for 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 new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Grenada Village rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Grenada Village rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is named on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Grenada Village, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and heart diseases. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Grenada Village rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and living due to diseases. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

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 Grenada Village rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Grenada Village Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Grenada Village

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming 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 hole which requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out within your home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools so that they can still be closed and opened instead of than sticking. We will test all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Grenada Village

Rental properties in Grenada Village need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether your current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, it requirements to have a thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as a heat pump, then it might need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Grenada Village

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air will be 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, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Grenada Village

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required on all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness as well as making more easy for the household to hold the heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Grenada Village Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to have efficient drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing any damage to your 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 Grenada Village

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standards in Grenada Village include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Grenada Village for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough 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 the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties home evaluation.