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 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 rental properties are required to be fully certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that needs to be completed, and provide the report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely certified to assess 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, once a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, there may be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the required information within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy contract as the person letting the property out and it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be correct at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained during the entire tenancy, as associated work has been completed.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive even higher fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved for serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in huge fines, in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and request a home inspection performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Wilton, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating and are of lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who experience at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower psychological well-being.

Improve the quality of Wilton rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and reduce the disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better secured from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught stopping in 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 houses. A humid home is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into your home need to be sealed. For instance, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed as much as possible.

There is no require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be necessary to allow for the movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy houses

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton must have a fixed heating source which can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to "top up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), it should have the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as heat pumps, it may need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality because they’re expensive, inefficient or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within a rental home must include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging how the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements to be able open to the outside and remain fixed in an open position in order to allow for fresh air circulation and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need proper extractor fan systems which are vented out to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation in every living space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas with high moisture.

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

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a requirement for all rent houses from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure the insulation meets the new quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness and also makes much easier for the house to hold the heat.

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

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

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

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building it’s also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s frequently those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your flooring and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of 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 to Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during a home review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy services ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For professional advice, call today and book your rental property house evaluation.