Healthy Homes Assessment Greenmeadows

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the tasks which requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now 0800 894 138

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 need to be completed inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new or renewed lease is entered into on the Greenmeadows rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance needs to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be kept updated during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Greenmeadows, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be older, colder, have less efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who report four or more key home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Enhancing the standard of Greenmeadows rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Greenmeadows rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Greenmeadows

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside households. A draughty house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it is probably a gap or hole which requirements sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit within the house need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated whenever imaginable.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will test every window and door as part of an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Greenmeadows

Rental properties in Greenmeadows need to have a stable source of heat that is able to heat the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it may need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be utilised to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Greenmeadows

Each liveable space in a rental home must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat, and that an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Greenmeadows

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and will also make it easier to allow the home to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required 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 more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest 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 below floor R 1.3

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

Greenmeadows Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often the things you don’t notice that could be a huge problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also helps prevent from causing damage to the flooring 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 through the Healthy Homes Standards in Greenmeadows include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Greenmeadows for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to book your rental property home evaluation.