Healthy Homes Assessment Lower Hutt

Offering Lower Hutt landlords and tenants rental home peace of mind
Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any tasks required. needs to be completed and offer a report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes connected fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as completely qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

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healthy homes assessment fines for non-compliance
Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed by the end of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on the Lower Hutt rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if the most currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days from being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as the person who is letting the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be up-to-date when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it must be updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with significant fines and having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have an home assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households homes in New Zealand and Lower Hutt, and research suggests that rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and tend to be of poorer quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes can have negative well-being outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the quality of Lower Hutt rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living due to illnesses. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping in Lower Hutt rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Lower Hutt Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

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How Other People Rate Us

An excellent and thorough report! Much appreciated. I’ll definitely be recommending
Callum
Fantastic service, really pleased with how thorough the report was - also impressed that it was able to be done at such short notice. A+
Daniel
This is a high quality service where they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was incredibly impressed by the speed and quality of the inspection and report.
Brendon
What time Do I need to meet my Healthy Homes Standards?

Lower Hutt Healthy Homes Compliance Timeframes

Tenancies commenced in the period between July 1st 2019 and the 30th June in 2021

  • Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required for all Lower Hutt and New Zealand rental houses where it is reasonably practicable to install.
  • A Healthy Homes Declaration of Intent An Insulation Statement as well as an Insurance Statement must be included in any new, renewed or varied tenancy agreement.
  • Property managers and landlords must keep records to demonstrate the conformance to the Healthy Homes Standards that apply or will be applicable during the tenancy of the rental property.

Beginning 1 July 2021

  • Property managers and private landlords have to ensure that their rental properties are in compliance to the Healthy Homes Standard within 90 days of a new, renewed or varied lease.
  • All boarding households (except Kainga Ora and Community Housing Providers with registered Boarding household tenancies) must meet the Healthy Homes Standard regardless of the time the tenancy began.

From 1 July 2023

  • All homes which are rented from Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers are required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards regardless of the date the tenancy was started.

From July 1st 2024

  • All rentals homes are required to comply with Healthy Homes Standards regardless of when the tenancy began.
Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Lower Hutt

Draughts increase the likelihood of low temperatures inside households. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in any way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out within the home require seals. In the case of an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building as the household is heated and cools in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will examine every window and door as part of our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

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The proper heating equipment is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Lower Hutt

Rental properties in Lower Hutt require a reliable 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 indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) with at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living room. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine if the current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating or heat pump it should be equipped with a thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it could need some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Lower Hutt

Every living space in the rental property should contain at minimum one open windows or an exterior door to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens or bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that dry air will be easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to be a victim of mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens, and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallways are not liveable and therefore don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or the skylight needs to be able to open to the outside, and stay closed to allow the circulation of fresh air and ventilation.

All bathrooms and kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space that includes extractor fans that are suitable in areas of high moisture.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

building ventilation inspections
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A warm dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Lower Hutt

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is a requirement in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some instances, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A properly insulated home can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task to allow the household to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the more efficient the insulation.

  • Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
  • Zone 2 – The rest area of 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Lower Hutt Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain as well as groundwater to move, and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue that can cause damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to remove the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water is able to go, and that it can’t linger underneath the buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the structure. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

moisture ingress and drainage inspection
rental home assessments
Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Lower Hutt

Rental property areas affected by Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Lower Hutt include each:

  • Living Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Dining Room
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry
Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Lower Hutt for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of concerns to look over in the house review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

  • Are the floor spaces covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
  • Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
  • Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
  • Do you have enough drainage? stopping of draughts?
  • Does the house has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home with regard to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For professional guidance, contact us today and book your rental property house assessment.

home assessments for rental properties

Healthy Homes Assessment Lower Hutt Wellington 5010

Reasons People Choose Us
About Us &

What We Do

As building inspectors we are experts in all elements of expert house inspections. We’re there to make sure you make the right decision when purchasing your next property.

We take your investment seriously and conduct detailed checks to make sure you don’t encounter any unpleasant or costly surprises meaning you are able to relax and focus on the enjoyable aspects of purchasing or owning your own home.

We specialise in a range of solutions to make sure you are fully informed about the condition of any property you may be thinking of buying or selling in addition to other services.

Not only do we work with you , but we also have important clients such as the local authorities, banks and insurance firms. Evidently they like our peace of mind provided, because of the information contained provided in our building inspection reports.

With our systemised method of conducting your house inspection as well as the latest technology in software that incorporates digital images into your report, you can actually see any problems that might be discovered. With our detailed report, it is no wonder that we receive so many referrals from clients our service to family members and acquaintances.

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  • Healthy Homes Assessments
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  • Handover Reports
  • Asbestos Compliance
  • Mould Inspection
  • Dilapidation Reports
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