Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. Following the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. needs to be done, and provide a report with all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

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

We’re fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified to evaluate 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 need to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards within the expected timeframe can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they reside in. If the property manager does not supply the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant will receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

Additionally, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers that provide false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the person who is named on the lease agreement as the one who is who is letting the property It could also be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be current when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as associated work has been completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that landlords who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are reserved for severe violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and request an house assessment done on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Wilton, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who report four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the standard of Wilton rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living because of diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damage, meaning lower maintenance costs over the long term.

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

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts are a major cause of less temperature in houses. A cold house is more expensive to heat, resulting in wasted energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt from unreasonable gaps or holes or holes, it needs to be sealed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the air is clear out of a hole or gap, then it’s likely to be a gap or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out from the home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it can cause draughts and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that these draughts are stopped as far as imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow for movement within the structure as the house is heated and cools so that they can still be closed and opened rather than securing. We will examine all windows and doors during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton need to have a stable source of heat that can warm the principal or the biggest living space to at least 18degC even on the coldest winter days. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental outlook.

The source of heating needs for it to be permanent (i.e. not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the installed heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to top up with an additional heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is an electric heater or heat pump, it must have the thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in some cases like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater might be enough.

If your living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might just need a top up to be able to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wilton

Every living space of a rental property has to have at least one opening windows or an exterior door to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan to remove moisture.

It is the ventilation standard is all about recognising that the dry atmosphere is more easy to heat, and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or the skylight needs for them to be in a position of opening to the outside and remain at an open angle to allow to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your house that houses a bath, shower, cooktop or other high water-generating appliance will need suitable extractor fans that are vented towards the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Wilton

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory for all rent houses as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords have to ensure that the insulation is in line with current standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to allow the house to hold the heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Learn more about this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from water damage isn’t only about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain and underground water to flow and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s health.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with effective drainage to remove rainwater, storm water and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and ground, a ground moisture barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

The ground-moisture barrier generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

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

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to be able to examine when conducting the house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Is the space under the floor protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Does the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home has enough ventilation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling could be significant for landlords and property managers. For professional advice, call today to book your rental properties house evaluation.