Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st of July 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Wellington rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rentals must be completely 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 will evaluate your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any tasks which requirements to be completed and provide the report with all the details required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes related fines.

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

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Wellington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wellington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in an amount of $7200. Furthermore, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they could receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is whoever is identified 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 before the tenancy agreement can be signed. It should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to remember that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious breaches, and landlords with more than six properties could be fined as high as $50,000, or as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, with large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request an house inspection performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households rent the property in New Zealand and Wellington, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating and have lower standard than those owned by owners.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses like colds, asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who report four or more key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Improve the quality of Wellington rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruptions to their work, education and daily life due to illnesses. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp-related damage, which results in less costs of maintenance in the long run.

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

Contact us now to discuss having a Wellington Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A cold house costs more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air coming in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it is likely to be a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out within the home require the sealing. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can create draughts. This should be blocked from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated as much as imaginable.

You don’t require to cover up gaps or holes that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for movement of the building as the household gets warmer and cooler, in order to let them be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check all windows and doors as part of your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial for well-being homes

Heating Wellington

Wellington rental properties should have a permanent source of heat which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being as well as their mental health.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity for the main living space. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine if the existing fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to ‘top up’ with an additional heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it should include a thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For most properties, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. In certain situations, like apartments with small spaces the smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If your living space already has a fixed heating source, such as the heat pump, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Some types of heaters can’t be used to achieve the quality as they are either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Get the complete information to details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wellington

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

This ventilation standard is about recognising how dry air will be less difficult to heat and that a property that is well ventilated will be less prone to developing damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t considered liveable and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each window, door or the skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside, but remain fixed in an open position to allow to circulate fresh air as well as ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other room in your home with shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture generating item will need appropriate extractor fans which are vented to the outdoors. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A dry and warm home is a healthy home

Insulation Wellington

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is mandatory on all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is up to this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may need to be filled with or replaced.

A house that is well-insulated will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of dampness and mould, and will also make it easier to allow the household to retain heat.

Insulation needs to be in compliance with the R-values required for your area

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and is a measure of how well the insulation withstands heat flow. The greater the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest part of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 - North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Wellington Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from water damage isn’t only about the interior of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it concerns damp and moisture it is typically what you don’t see that can become a big problem that can cause damage to your investment as well as harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties must be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate storm water, surface water, and ground water. This includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside an irrigation system to stop moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between your floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually an insulating sheet of polythene laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the property. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

Find out all the details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington

Areas of rental properties that are impacted through Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Wellington include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things you should look for when conducting an home review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up sufficient capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an ruling on tenancy services ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For expert guidance, contact us today to schedule your rental properties house evaluation.