Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington Central

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 now have to ensure that their Wellington Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. requirements to be done, and provide the report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards 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 as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of 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 included in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to supply the necessary information within 21 days from receiving the request, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or false 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 person 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 requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households homes in New Zealand and Wellington Central, and research suggests that rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Wellington Central rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and living because of health issues. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Control for Wellington Central rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about receiving a Wellington Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington Central

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as possible.

You don’t need to block holes or gaps in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow movement of the structure when the home is heated and cools to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check the windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being houses

Heating Wellington Central

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

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it requirements to have a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it could need some additional energy to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

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

Ventilation Wellington Central

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about recognising how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside while remaining closed in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens and every other room of your home that has a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Wellington Central

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor has been compulsory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets this new quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

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

Wellington Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage to remove rainwater, storm water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between the floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington Central

Property rental areas that are affected by The Healthy Homes Standard in Wellington Central include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington Central for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine during the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground waterproofing barrier?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to book your rental properties home evaluation.