Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington Central

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work required. requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed within 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for 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 supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is liable for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property and it could be the landlord’s name or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be completed, and must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are handed down for severe breaches, and landlords with at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Call us today and ask us to conduct a house assessment done for your rental property.

See the full details for details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

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

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as heart diseases. Additionally, those who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Wellington Central rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington Central

Draughts can lead to less temperature in houses. A humid house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air in or out of your house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the house gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications of the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important to ensure healthy houses

Heating Wellington Central

Wellington Central rental properties need to have a stable heating source that can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source like the heat pump, it might need an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wellington Central

Each liveable space in a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding the fact that dry air is less difficult to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each window, door or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside and remain closed in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require proper extractor fan systems which are vented to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy house

Insulation Wellington Central

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with the new quality. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task for the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and 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 this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wellington Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s typically what you don’t see that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture from the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington Central

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington Central for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns you should look for when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a tenant solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home assessment.