Healthy Homes Assessment Greenmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Greenmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rentals must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be done and offer the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be done by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to meet any of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is also important to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households rent homes in New Zealand and Greenmeadows, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for ailments like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

Improving the quality of Greenmeadows rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Greenmeadows rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Greenmeadows

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A humid home costs more to heat, meaning wasting 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 unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your home need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for movement within the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will check every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Greenmeadows

Greenmeadows rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the 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 an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to include the thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Greenmeadows

Every living space of a rental house must have at least one openable door or window to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air will be 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 spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus are not need an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need adequate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Greenmeadows

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation is in line with the new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, as well as making it easier to the household to keep warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor 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

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

Greenmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

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

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your rental has an enclosed gap between the floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Greenmeadows

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

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Greenmeadows for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to check during a home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us today to book your rental property home assessment.