Healthy Homes Assessment Greenmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 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 rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks required. requirements to be completed and provide an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties we are fully certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be done inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new or renewed lease is entered into on a Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the required information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who 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.

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

It’s also crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Greenmeadows, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as effective heating and have lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and heart diseases. In addition, people who have reported at least four key house quality problems often experience lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the quality of Greenmeadows rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Greenmeadows rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Greenmeadows

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A cold home will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit into the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as possible.

You don’t need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement within the structure when the home warms and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will test all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Greenmeadows

Greenmeadows rental properties require a reliable source of heating that can heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on 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 heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat source, it must include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the quality because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Greenmeadows

Each living space within a rental house must contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation standard is about recognising the fact that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Greenmeadows

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is required for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and it will make an easier task to allow the household to hold heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

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

Greenmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the inside it’s also about the outside. You must 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 concerns damp and moisture it is usually what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Greenmeadows

Property rental areas that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Greenmeadows include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Greenmeadows for Rental Properties

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

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental property home evaluation.