Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you not know that Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes relevant fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely certified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6779

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be finished inside of 90 days.

Since the 1st July of 2021, if a new or renewed tenancy is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be taken care of within 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement there could be an additional fine or violation fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days of being informed of the request, they can receive an infringement notification and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is an additional fine of approximately $900 for property owners or property managers who provide a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person liable for this fine is the person who is identified on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property, so it could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be correct before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to be aware that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are given only for serious breaches. Landlords with six or more properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearings.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account resulting in significant fines and continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Do not risk your rental property, contact us today and arrange to have an house assessment performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

About 1 in 3 households from New Zealand and Wilton, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold homes are linked to negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported at least four major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Wilton rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruptions to their work, education and living due to illness. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which completed jobs in less costs of maintenance in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of the specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Wilton rental properties.

Start now and call about the Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property today.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts can lead to lower temperatures in homes. A draughty house costs more to heat, which results in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught is felt through gaps that are too large or holes that it requirements to be sealed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it’s likely a crack or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out within the home require seals. For example, if the open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that these draughts are stopped in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to block gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows may be required to allow for the movement of the structure as the household is heated and cools so that they can still be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will examine every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is important for well-being homes

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties should have a permanent source of heat that is able to heat the principal or the biggest living area to at minimum 18 degrees Celsius, even on 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 health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed to heat the living space in general. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to top up by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be suitable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must be equipped with an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and efficient. For most houses, larger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in some cases such as small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your living space already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it could require an upgrade to be able to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality because they’re inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

See the full details regarding details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within a rental home must have at least one openable window or exterior door to provide natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

A ventilation standard is about recognising that dry air is less difficult to heat and a property that is well ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or skylight needs at least of opening to the outside, and stay closed, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will require proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Wilton

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is mandatory in all rental houses since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers have to make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be topped up or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated can help control condensation and reduce the chances of dampness and mould, and also makes more easy for the house to keep warmth.

Insulation requirements to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" is a symbol for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation can withstand heat flow. The more high the R-value, higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 (underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically those things that you aren’t aware of that could become a major issue and end up causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment 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.

The ground-moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, to block any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the property. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the 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 Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Wilton include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over during an house evaluation to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Is the heater equipped with enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of an Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property managers and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.