Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure 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 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 to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes relevant fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely qualified 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, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to comply with one of the Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. Furthermore, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also crucial to remember that landlords with multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in large fines in addition to still being required to comply with the regulations. Don’t risk your rental property call us now and arrange to have a home evaluation performed on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Wilton, and research indicates that rental homes tend to be older, colder, are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses can have negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, people who report at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Wilton rental property can help tenants enjoy better physical and mental health, and lessen the interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower costs for maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught stopping on Wilton rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside homes. A humid house is more expensive to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draft can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or an unobstructed draught coming from a hole or gap and you can feel it, it’s likely to be a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out within your house require to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as far as imaginable.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the house is heated and cools in order to let them be closed and opened instead of instead of being stuck. We will examine all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy homes

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the winter coldest days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The heating source needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most houses, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like the heat pump, it may require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to meet the standard because they’re expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

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

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

Every window, door or Skylight needs to have the ability to open to the outside while remaining at an open angle to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another moisture generating item will require adequate extractor fans which are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation throughout the living spaces that includes extractor fans that are suitable for areas that are high in moisture.

Find out all the details about The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and it will make an easier task for the home to keep the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about 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; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move, and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is often what you don’t see that could become a major issue that can cause the property to suffer and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

Property rental areas that are affected with the Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are many concerns to look over when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the Tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property managers and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property home assessment.