Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? Landlords must ensure that 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 completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate your rental property to check whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager of the work required. needs to be done and provide an assessment report that includes all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes associated fines.

We are fully independent assessors of rental properties, and are completely qualified for 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, when a brand new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be done within 90 days.

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

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated in the new, renewed or revised tenancy contract, there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request information about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager fails to provide the information requested within 21 days from getting the notice, the tenant can receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as being the person who is letting the property which could be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All the information on the Statement of Compliance needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord with multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given for serious breaches. Landlords with more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account and result in massive fines as well as having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have a house inspection performed for 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?

One in three households in New Zealand and Wilton, and research has shown that these rental homes are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Damp, mouldy and cold homes can have negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who have reported at least four major housing quality problems frequently have less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental health.

Improve the standard of Wilton rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also protected from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught-stopping on Wilton rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside households. A draughty house will cost more to heat, resulting in wasted energy and incurring higher costs.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air getting in, or see the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or an opening that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks or gaps with large gaps must be stopped permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t used it can create draughts. This must be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the structure as the house heats and cools, to allow them to be opened and closed rather instead of being stuck. We will inspect the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

See the full details regarding the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can heat the largest or main living room to at least 18degC, even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient 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 are not considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat pump, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will make the heating more consistent and efficient. In most homes, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In some instances, like small apartment buildings the smaller fixed electric heater could be enough.

If the living area is already equipped with a fixed heating source like an air conditioner, it could need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate or unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within a rental house must have at least one openable doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be more easy to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas are all considered living spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and therefore don’t require an opening door or window.

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least of opening to the outside, and stay at an open angle in order to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any other space in your property with a bath, shower or cooktop, or any other moisture generating item will need adequate extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in high moisture areas.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy house

Insulation Wilton

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is required for all rent homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is up to this new standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and it will make much easier to allow the home to hold heat.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and it is a measurement of how well insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation.

• Zone 1 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 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building it is also about the outside. You must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it is typically what you don’t see that could be a huge problem and end up causing damages to your investment and affecting the tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and it doesn’t sit beneath buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent the ingress of moisture, if your property has an enclosed space between floorboards and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier generally an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground to stop any moisture present in the ground from accumulating into the structure. It also helps in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

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

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Rooms
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over during a home evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? the draught is stopped?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For expert advice get in touch now and schedule your rental properties house assessment.