Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington Central

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Wellington Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks which needs 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 under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, and are completely 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined up to $750.

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

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It is also important to remember that a landlord with several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households in New Zealand and Wellington Central, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who report at least four key housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Wellington Central rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of diseases. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught stopping within Wellington Central rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Wellington Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington Central

Draughts may lead to lower temperatures in households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or crack that needs sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out from the house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check every window and door during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being homes

Heating Wellington Central

Wellington Central rental properties should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to be fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is an electric heater or heat source, then it must include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. In some instances, like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like a heat pump, then it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Wellington Central

Each living space within a rental property must have at least one opening window or exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dry air will be much easier to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home that has shower, bath cooker or any other water-generating appliance will require proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is a healthy house

Insulation Wellington Central

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords must make sure that the insulation meets the new standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the subfloor space may require to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness as well as making much easier to allow the house to keep warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wellington Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a proper 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 a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from getting into the home. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington Central

Rental property areas affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Wellington Central include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington Central for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to check in a home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling could be significant for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.