Healthy Homes Assessment Grenada Village

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Grenada Village rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work needed to be completed. needs to be done and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Grenada Village, and research indicates that rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally tend to be lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Grenada Village rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs 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 as Draught Stopping on Grenada Village rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss having a Grenada Village Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Grenada Village

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in homes. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s most likely a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the home require to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

You don’t require to block off holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy homes

Heating Grenada Village

Grenada Village rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with an additional heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as heat pumps, it might just require an update to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Grenada Village

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dried air can be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs to be able of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Grenada Village

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation meets this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task for the house to hold heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Grenada Village Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties require to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from entering the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

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
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Grenada Village for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for in the home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.