Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

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

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

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

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties and are completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

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 Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be taken care of within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy contract as 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 needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to remember that landlords who own multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearings.

Clearly, failure to adhere to compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Wilton, and research has shown that these rental homes are more likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental wellbeing.

Improving the quality of Wilton rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Wilton rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss receiving a Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A draughty house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and increased bills.

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

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the air is clear from a gap or hole that is, it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into your house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it could cause draughts, and should be shut off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the building as the home is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened rather than securing. We will inspect every window and door in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy homes

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton must have a fixed source of heating that can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental well-being.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it may need an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wilton

Every living space of a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements for them to be in a position open to the outside, but remain closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

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

A comfortable, dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and it will make much easier to allow the household to keep the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and 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 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage for the removal of rainwater, storm water, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

Property rental areas that are affected through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to check during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.