Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to make sure their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy, and all private rentals must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by 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 standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager about any work needed to be completed. needs to be completed and offer the report with 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 in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

We’re fully independent assessors of rental property, and are fully certified to evaluate both 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 or renewed tenancy is signed for a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items need to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined up to $750.

Additionally, there is also a penalty of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy contract as the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date before the tenancy agreement can be signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for the most serious breaches. 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 your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet resulting in huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a home evaluation performed for 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 from New Zealand and Wilton, and research has shown that these rental houses are likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating and tend to be lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes are linked to negative well-being outcomes, particularly for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience at least four key house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

The improvement in the standard of Wilton rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health as well as lessen disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to health issues. Your investment will be safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping for Wilton rental properties.

Start now and call about having a Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts increase the likelihood of less temperature in houses. A draughty home will cost more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt through gaps that are too large or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a hole or gap and you are able to feel it, it’s likely a crack or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Large gaps and cracks should be fixed permanently. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air into or out of the home need sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it may cause draughts and must be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as possible.

You don’t need to cover up gaps or holes which are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the home heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather than being stuck. We will test all doors and windows during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for well-being houses

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can warm the largest or main living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity and have the minimum capacity for heating required to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if your current installed heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it must be equipped with a thermostat. This will make the heating more reliable and effective. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as the heat pump, it may require an update to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Wilton

Every living space in the rental property should have at least one openable windows or an exterior door to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can get rid of moisture.

The ventilation standard is about recognising it is that dry air is much easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop mould and damp.

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

Each door, window or skylight requirements to be able of opening to the outside, but remain set in an opening position in order to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another water-generating appliance will need proper extractor fan systems that vent to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough ventilation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will reduce the risk of condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, as well as making an easier task for the home to retain warmth.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside of the building it’s also about the outside. You must ensure there is somewhere for surface or ground water, and stop it from coming inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water, which includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and ground, a ground water barrier must be constructed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

Ground moisture barriers are typically an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from rising into the home. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

Rental property areas affected with Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Wilton include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to be able to examine when conducting a house review to determine if your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space insulated and is a ground water barrier in place?
• Does the ceiling insulation need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice, call today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.