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 a renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the information needed for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on the Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the expected timeframe can result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as related work is completed.

It’s important to be aware that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for the most serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Call us today and request an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Greenmeadows, and research shows us that these rental houses are more likely to be colder, older and have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and heart diseases. Additionally, those who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Improving the standard of Greenmeadows rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

Begin now by calling about the Greenmeadows Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Greenmeadows

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in houses. A damp house will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within your home require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as possible.

There is no require to block up intentional gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the household heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will inspect all doors and windows in an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Greenmeadows

Greenmeadows rental properties must have a fixed heating source that is able to heat the main or largest living area to at minimum 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with 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 if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top up" with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should include an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it might just need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Greenmeadows

Every living space in a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs at least open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home that has a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Greenmeadows

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is mandatory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to the household to retain the heat.

Insulation needs 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 insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 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; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem and cause damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Find out all the 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 Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Greenmeadows include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Greenmeadows for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during the home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.