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 July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rental properties are required to be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the tasks which needs to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental properties, we are completely qualified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks must be finished by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated in an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant may receive an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the person who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed. It must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is important to note that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. Landlords with at least six rental properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to still being required to adhere to the regulations. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an home inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent homes in New Zealand and Wilton, and research suggests that rental homes are most likely to be colder, older, are not as efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are associated with negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who have reported at least four key issues with their housing often have less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the quality of Wilton rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life due to diseases. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific standards 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 right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts are a major cause of lower temperatures in houses. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught is perceived as a result of gaps or holes or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or a clear draught out of a hole or gap or crack, then it’s likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in any way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit into the house require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow movement of the structure as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than sticking. We will check the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton need to have a stable source of heat that can heat the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to top up with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options in Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump it should have an thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, like the heat pump, it may require an upgrade to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wilton

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is all about acknowledging that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable areas. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore are not need an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs at least to open up to the outside, and stay at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath or cooktop, or any other humidity-generating items will require adequate extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

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

A comfortable, dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers are required to ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and dampness, and also makes much easier to allow the house to hold 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 insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

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

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about the inside it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and ground water to go and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s usually those concerns that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should have effective drainage to get rid of storm water, surface water and groundwater, with the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a place to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your apartment 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.

An underground moisture barrier generally a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

The areas of rental property that are affected to Healthy Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to look over when conducting an home assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home in relation to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy services ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.