Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington Central

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Wellington Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

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

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully certified to evaluate each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised 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 building they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is executed, and it is updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of 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 in New Zealand and Wellington Central, and research suggests that rental houses are likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating, and generally have lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in well-being.

The improvement in the standard of Wellington Central rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

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

Start now and call about getting a Wellington Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington Central

Draughts may lead to less temperature in homes. A draughty home costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or a clear draught from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of the house require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped whenever imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement within the structure when the house gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will test every window and door as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Wellington Central

Wellington Central rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be utilised to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wellington Central

Every living space in a rental property has to have at least one opening window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that dry air will be much easier to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

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

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability of opening to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Wellington Central

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, as well as making much easier to the house to keep heat.

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

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire 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

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it is typically not apparent that it can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the structure. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington Central

The areas of rental property that are affected through the Healthy Homes Standard in Wellington Central include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington Central for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns you should look for when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For expert assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.