Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure their Wilton 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 conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about any work which needs to be done, and offer an assessment report that includes all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re 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

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

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied lease is entered into on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards within the period of time expected can lead to an amount of $7200. In addition, if the existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they live in. If the landlord or the property manager doesn’t supply the necessary information within 21 days of receiving the request, they will be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy contract as the person who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have more than six properties could receive fines of up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with large fines in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an house evaluation performed on your rental property.

Check out the complete details of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent the property in New Zealand and Wilton, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less effective heating and are of lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced mental health.

Improving the standard of Wilton rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disturbance to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also better protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping in Wilton rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A damp house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes the area requirements to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is likely to be a gap or hole that needs sealing in any way. Large gaps and cracks should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out into the house need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be opened and closed rather than being stuck. We will examine the windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Proper heating is important for healthy houses

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties require a reliable source of heat that can warm the main or largest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The heating source requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the existing fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat source, it must have a thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, such as an air conditioner, it may require some additional energy to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wilton

Each liveable space in a rental property has to include at least one open windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

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

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t liveable and therefore are not require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory in all rental houses from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords have to make sure that the insulation meets current standard. In some cases, existing ceiling insulation or insulation in the sub floor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and also makes an easier task for the household to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation.

• 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 underfloor 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is about damp and water, it’s often not apparent that it could become a major issue, causing damages to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an important aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent water ingress, if the rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

A ground moisture barrier is typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from rising into the building. It also helps in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

Rental property areas affected through The Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for in a house review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor well-insulated? Is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property home assessment.