Healthy Homes Assessment Grenada Village

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Grenada Village rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Grenada Village rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Grenada Village rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Grenada Village rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Grenada Village rental properties.

Start now and call about getting a Grenada Village Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Grenada Village

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out from your house need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy homes

Heating Grenada Village

Rental properties in Grenada Village require a reliable source of heating which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if the permanent heater(s) are sufficient 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 are not considered to be acceptable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, it requirements to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Grenada Village

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be less difficult to heat and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside while remaining set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your home that has shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Grenada Village

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be added 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 to the house to hold heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values for your area

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Grenada Village Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem that can cause the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Grenada Village

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standard in Grenada Village include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Grenada Village for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to be able to examine during a home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a tenant services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house assessment.