Healthy Homes Assessment Greenmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Greenmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed 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 evaluate your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. requirements to be completed, and offer a report with all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who provide a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to note that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may receive more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as still being required to comply with the regulations. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a house assessment performed for your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Greenmeadows, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, people who reported four or more major issues with their housing often have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Greenmeadows rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over 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 in Greenmeadows rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Greenmeadows Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Greenmeadows

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap, then it is most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air in or out within the house require seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as imaginable.

You don’t require to block gaps or holes that 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 house gets warmer and cooler, so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being houses

Heating Greenmeadows

Greenmeadows rental properties need to have a stable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should include a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in some cases like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re costly, not cost-effective to run, and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information regarding the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Greenmeadows

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans which are vented to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Greenmeadows

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and will also make an easier task for the house to retain the heat.

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

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

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Greenmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Greenmeadows

Rental property areas affected with Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Greenmeadows include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Greenmeadows for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.