Healthy Homes Assessment Greenmeadows

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 are now required to ensure their Greenmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully compliant by 1 July 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 satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes related fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be accurate when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and arrange to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Greenmeadows, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improve the quality of Greenmeadows rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping within Greenmeadows rental properties.

Start now and call about the Greenmeadows Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Greenmeadows

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A damp house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the home warms and cools in order to let them be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will check the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Greenmeadows

Rental properties in Greenmeadows should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 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 heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like a heat pump, then it could need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Greenmeadows

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat, and that a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway aren’t liveable , and thus don’t need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will need adequate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Greenmeadows

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes much easier to allow the house to keep heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 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

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Greenmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain as well as groundwater to move and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Greenmeadows

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Greenmeadows include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Greenmeadows for Rental Properties

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

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert advice, call today and book your rental properties home evaluation.