Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure their Wellington rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant 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 to determine whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

We’re completely independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wellington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be completed inside of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on the Wellington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. In addition, if the currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they could be issued an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who offer a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained through the tenancy period as related work is completed.

It’s crucial to note that a landlord who have several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a house assessment done on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households in New Zealand and Wellington, and research shows us that these rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative well-being outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the quality of Wellington rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and living due to illnesses. Your investment will be protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Wellington rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Wellington Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside houses. A cold home is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air into or out of your home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be blocked from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t require to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the house warms and cools so that they are able to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will test the windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Wellington

Wellington rental properties should have a permanent heating source that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18degC, even on the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heat needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the existing installed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump then it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform 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. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might need a top up in order to comply with the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications on details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wellington

Every living space in a rental house must include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

This ventilation standard is all about acknowledging it is that the dry atmosphere is much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered living spaces and therefore do not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door or Skylight needs at least of opening to the outside while remaining at an open angle in order to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require appropriate extractor fans that vent out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A dry and warm home is an ideal home

Insulation Wellington

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the sub floor space might need to be replaced or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will reduce the risk of condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make an easier task for the home to hold warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the better the insulation.

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

See the full details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wellington Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is frequently not apparent that it can become a big problem and end up causing damage to your investment as well as affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go and that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and the surface, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from rising into the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your 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 Wellington

Property rental areas that are affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Wellington include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the sub floor space well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to book your rental property house evaluation.