Healthy Homes Assessment Wellington Central

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? The landlords are now required to ensure their Wellington Central rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be fully compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to check whether it is in compliance with the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work which needs to be completed, and offer a report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations in the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthier homes associated fines.

We’re completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully qualified for each of Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Since the 1st July of 2021, once a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance items have to be completed within 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not included within the new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there may be an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they reside in. If the property manager does not provide the necessary information within 21 days of getting the notice, the tenant can be issued an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or misleading Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is letting the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Statement of Compliance needs to be up-to-date at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed. It is updated throughout the tenancy as any necessary work related to it’s finished.

It is important to note that a landlord with several rental properties can face more severe penalties for not complying. The harshest penalties are handed down only for serious breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 in hearings.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and arrange to have an house assessment performed on the rental property you are renting.

Check out the complete details of the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

Around 1 in 3 households rent in New Zealand and Wellington Central, and research indicates that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than owner occupied properties.

Moldy, damp and cold houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, people who experience at least four major house quality problems often experience less satisfaction in their lives and lower well-being.

Enhancing the standard of Wellington Central rental property can allow tenants to experience better mental and physical health, and lessen the disturbance to learning, work and living due to health issues. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught-stopping on Wellington Central rental properties.

Start now and call about the Wellington Central Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington Central

Draughts are a major cause of dropping temperatures within households. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting money and energy.

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

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air entering or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a crack or a gap and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or crack that requirements sealing in some way. Large cracks and gaps should be sealed permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that allow air in or out into your home need sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can cause draughts and must be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for making sure that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no need to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For instance, small gaps around doors and windows might be necessary to allow for the movement of the building as the house heats and cools, so that they are able to be shut and opened, rather instead of being stuck. We will check all windows and doors during our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is important for healthy houses

Heating Wellington Central

Wellington Central rental properties should have a permanent heating source which can warm the main or largest living space to a minimum of 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The heating source needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable), at minimum 1.5 Kilowatts in heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if the current installed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll require to "top-up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters such as the portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be suitable heating options in The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is electric heating or heat pump it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more consistent and effective. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating systems such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. However, in certain instances like small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the main living room already has a fixed heating source such as the heat pump, it might require an update to make sure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either costly, not cost-effective to run, or unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information on the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wellington Central

Every living space in a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural airflow. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can eliminate moisture.

This ventilation quality is all about recognising that dried air can be much easier to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to develop damp and mould.

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

Each door, window or Skylight requirements at least open to the outside while remaining closed, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other area in your home with shower, bath or cooktop, or any other moisture-producing item will require suitable extractor fans that can be vented towards the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans in areas of high moisture.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry home is an ideal house

Insulation Wellington Central

Underfloor and ceiling insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords should make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the sub floor space might need to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house can help control condensation, and decrease the risk of mould and dampness and will also make more easy for the house to retain warmth.

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

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and is a gauge of how well insulation can withstand heat flow. The higher 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 the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

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

Wellington Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Making sure your rental property is protected from the effects of moisture isn’t just a matter of what’s inside the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface and underground water to flow and stop it from coming into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s frequently not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing the property to suffer and affecting your tenant’s well-being.

Properties that are rented must be equipped with efficient drainage to get rid of the stormwater and surface waters, and groundwater, with an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a place to go, and it can’t linger underneath the structures is an crucial aspect of keeping your property dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture from entering, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, to block any moisture from the ground from entering the structure. It also helps to prevent any damage to your underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington Central

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

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington Central for Rental Properties

There are a myriad of things to look over in the house inspection to determine whether your rental property is in compliance with all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. Some examples include:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need replacement or topping?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught stopping?
• Does the home have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having a Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of the tenancy services ruling can be significant for property managers and landlords. For expert advice get in touch today and book your rental properties home evaluation.