Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords must ensure that their Wellington 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 in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can assess your rental property to check whether it’s in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks that needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the details required for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes relevant fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, in addition, we’re completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed for a Wellington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be completed within 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, once a new or renewed contract is signed on the Wellington rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to adhere to each of Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if the most current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to supply the information requested within 21 days of receiving the request, they will receive an infringement notice and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person responsible to pay this fine is the one who is named on the lease agreement as being the person renting the property, so it could 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 when the tenancy agreement is signed. It should be kept updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any associated work has been completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive additional fines for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are reserved only for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

If you fail to adhere to your Healthy Homes requirements can hit your wallet hard, resulting in large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t take a chance with your rental property, contact us today and request a home assessment done for your rental property.

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

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

A majority of households rent in New Zealand and Wellington, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less efficient heating and have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are associated with negative health results, specifically for illnesses such as colds and asthma, as well as cardiovascular conditions. In addition, people who have reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Wellington rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved physical and mental health and minimise the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment will also be better safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a set of specific and minimal standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, and Draught stopping within Wellington rental properties.

Begin now by calling about getting a Wellington Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A cold house is more expensive to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and increased bills.

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

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out within your home require the sealing. For example, if the open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Landlords and property managers are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed as far as possible.

There is no need to block up intentional gaps or holes which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows could be required to allow for movement within the building when the household gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be shut and opened, rather than being stuck. We will check all doors and windows in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure healthy houses

Heating Wellington

Rental properties in Wellington require a reliable source of heat that can warm the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living space to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius, even on the winter coldest days. This is the recommended minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health as well as their mental health.

The source of heating requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will require to ‘top up’ by adding a second heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters, such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options for those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you provide is electric heating or heat source, it needs to have an thermostat. This makes the heating more reliable and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are necessary. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space already has a permanent heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be utilised to meet the quality as they are either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unsafe to run.

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

Ventilation Wellington

Each living space within the rental property should have at least one opening door or window to offer natural airflow. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to eliminate moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging that dry air is more easy to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to have the ability open to the outside and remain at an open angle in order to allow ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented to the outdoors. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan for areas that are high in moisture.

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

A cozy dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wellington

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is mandatory for all rent homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is up to the new standard. In some cases, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the sub floor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A well-insulated property will help to control condensation and lower the chance of mould and dampness, and also makes it easier to the house to keep warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest of the 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 the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wellington Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from dampness isn’t just about the inside but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface and ground water to go, and to prevent it from getting into the building. When it concerns damp and moisture it’s usually those things that you aren’t aware of that could be a huge problem that can cause damages to your investment and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate the stormwater and surface waters and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go, and it can’t linger underneath the buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid water ingress, if the apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and the ground, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

The ground-moisture barrier generally a polythene sheet laid over the ground to prevent any moisture present in the ground from getting into the building. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring 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

Rental property areas affected through The Healthy Homes Standard in Wellington include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington for Rental Properties

There are numerous concerns to look over when conducting a house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Are the floor spaces insulated and is a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch now and schedule your rental property house evaluation.