Healthy Homes Assessment Greenmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Greenmeadows rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

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

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. needs to be done, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach 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 healthy homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they may be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named 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 Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent from New Zealand and Greenmeadows, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Greenmeadows rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught Stopping in Greenmeadows rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Greenmeadows

Draughts may lead to dropping temperatures within houses. A humid home costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out within the house need the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow movement of the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Greenmeadows

Rental properties in Greenmeadows need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 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 needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living room. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it must have an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a permanent heating source, like heat pumps, it might just require an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Greenmeadows

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

This ventilation quality is all about understanding the fact that dry air is more easy to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight needs for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All bathrooms and kitchens and any other room in your home with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our 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.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal house

Insulation Greenmeadows

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of 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 but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Greenmeadows

Rental property areas affected through the Healthy Homes Standard 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 you should look for during an house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of a tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.