Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide 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 any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors for rental properties, as well as completely qualified for 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, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be finished within 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with all of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the renewal, new or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty up to $900 for landlords and property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy contract as the person renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s important to keep in mind that landlords with multiple rental properties may face even higher fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have an home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Wilton, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older, are not as effective heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are associated with negative well-being outcomes, especially for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who reported at least four key home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Wilton rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life because of illness. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp-related damage, which results in lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Wilton rental properties.

Start now and call about the Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within homes. A damp house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it requirements to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a crack or a gap or crack, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from your home require to be sealed. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as much as imaginable.

There is no require to block gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for movement of the building when the house gets warmer and cooler, so that they can still be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton must have a fixed source of heating which can warm the living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The source of heating needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is electric heating or heat pump, then it must have an thermostat. This will help make the heating more uniform and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases like small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it could need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to meet the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wilton

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open window or exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about recognising how dry air is more easy to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements for them to be in a position to open up to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require suitable extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy house

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory on all rental houses as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task for the household to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

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

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location 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 apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

Rental property areas affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are many things to be able to examine when conducting a house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house evaluation.