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? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, we are completely certified to evaluate each of 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, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be completed by the end of 90 days.

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

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

Any tenant may request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they can receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current when the tenancy contract is signed. It is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who manage multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most 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 hearings.

If you fail to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households in New Zealand and Wilton, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Wilton rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping on Wilton rental properties.

Begin now by calling about the Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

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

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a gap or hole or crack, then it’s most likely a gap or an opening that needs sealing in some way. Large gaps and cracks should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow movement of the building when the home is heated and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather than securing. We will test every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties must have a fixed source of heat which can warm the living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options for Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat pump it requirements to have the thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source, like an air conditioner, it might just need an upgrade to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within a rental property must contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and heat, and an apartment that is well-ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, and stay set in an opening position in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Wilton

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and it will make it easier to the house to retain heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values required for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all part 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to remove storm water, surface water, and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an crucial aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between floorboards and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from rising into the building. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor 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

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to be able to examine in the house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require to be topped up or replaced?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a Tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.