Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington Central

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to ensure their Wellington Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property and determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the tasks that requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as completely certified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the anticipated timeframe could result in a fine of up to $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included in the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to remember that landlords who own several rental properties can face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are given only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be penalised up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet with massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property call us now and ask us to conduct a house inspection performed for your rental property.

Find the full information on the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Wellington Central, and research has shown that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the homes of owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Wellington Central rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the interruption to learning, work and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping in Wellington Central rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about having a Wellington Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington Central

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in homes. A damp home costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught is noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap that is, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out into the home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the structure as the home is heated and cools so that they can still be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important for well-being houses

Heating Wellington Central

Wellington Central rental properties should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current fix heater(s) are adequate or whether you will need to "top-up" with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is an electric heater or heat source, it requirements to be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like the heat pump, it may require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wellington Central

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor to eliminate moisture.

A ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

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

Each window, door , or skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that vent to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm house is an ideal home

Insulation Wellington Central

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is up to standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space might need to be filled with or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and will also make it easier to the house to hold the heat.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The more R-value is higher, the higher the standard of insulation.

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

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wellington Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building It’s about having to ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and ground water to go, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it is frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and affecting your tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water has a place to go, and that it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the soil, a ground-water barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to prevent any moisture in the ground from accumulating into the home. It also helps to prevent moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington Central

Property rental areas that are affected to The Healthy Homes Standards in Wellington Central include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington Central for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for in the home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Are the floor spaces protected and does it have a waterproofing barrier?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental properties house assessment.