Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to ensure that their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties, and are fully qualified to assess each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items must be finished within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a brand new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be completed inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they reside in. If the property manager is unable to supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of approximately $900 for landlords or property managers that provide false or incorrect Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property It could also be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy contract is completed, and must be updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It is also important to note that landlords who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and arrange to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

About 1 in 3 households rent the property in New Zealand and Wilton, and research indicates that rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes can have negative well-being results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who experience four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in mental health.

Improving the quality of Wilton rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to health issues. Your investment will be protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Stopping for Wilton rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts increase the likelihood of lower temperatures in households. A draughty home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole, then it is likely to be a gap or hole which requirements sealing in somehow. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be sealed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and allow air to enter or exit of the house require sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t being used, it may cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for movement within the building as the household heats and cools, so that they can still be shut and opened, rather than securing. We will test all windows and doors as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is important to ensure well-being homes

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties should have a permanent source of heating which can warm the living space to at least 18degC, even during the most 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 heating source requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options for the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should have an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating systems such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases such as small apartments the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the living area already has a central heating source, such as the heat pump, it might just need an update to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality as they are either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information for the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wilton

Each liveable space in a rental property has to contain at minimum one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable venting fan outside to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dried air can be easier to heat, and that a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t need an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath cooker or any other humidity-generating items will require appropriate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Wilton

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement on all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of dampness and mould, and also makes an easier task to allow the household to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move, and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it’s often what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should have efficient drainage to remove storm water, surface water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that water has a location to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid moisture ingress, if your rental is enclosed between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, to block any moisture in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps in preventing any damage to your underfloor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns you should look for when conducting a home evaluation to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home with regard to regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today and book your rental properties house assessment.