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 must make sure their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new 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 assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work which requirements to be done, and offer the report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors for rental properties, and are fully certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be finished by the end of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the anticipated timeframe could result in penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person who is liable for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy contract is executed, and it must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given for severe violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an house assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Wilton, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, have less effective heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Wilton rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping in Wilton rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely a crack or crack that needs sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your house require sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be shut off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched whenever imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps in the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than securing. We will check all windows and doors during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW in heating 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 existing permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, it should include a thermostat. This makes your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, such as the heat pump, it might need an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information regarding details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within the rental property should include at least 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 remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about acknowledging the fact that dry air will be more easy to heat and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and are not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position, allowing the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and every other room of your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wilton

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure the insulation meets 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 may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and will also make much easier for the house to hold 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 can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from dampness isn’t just about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow, and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps to prevent from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine in an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. There are a few examples:

• Does the subfloor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Do you think the heating system has sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of an tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch today and book your rental property home assessment.