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 make sure their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewed or new tenancy and all private rentals must be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of the work needed to be completed. requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information needed for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, as well as fully certified to evaluate 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 brand new or renewed tenancy is signed for a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new or renewed Tenancy is signed for the Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be finished inside of 90 days.

Inability to adhere to all of the Healthy Homes Standards within the anticipated timeframe could result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a existing Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant may request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the the property manager doesn’t provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and be fined as high as $750.

Additionally, there is an additional fine of up to $900 for property owners or property managers providing a false or false Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is who is letting the property and it could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

The information contained in the Compliance Statement needs to be correct when the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it is updated through the tenancy period as relevant work gets completed.

It’s also important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down for the most serious violations. Those who have at least six rental properties could be fined up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

If you fail to comply with requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket and result in significant fines and still having to meet compliance. Don’t take a chance with your rental property Contact us now and request a house inspection performed on your rental property.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Wilton, and research shows us that these rental homes are likely to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally have lower standard than those owned by owners.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses can have negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses such as colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, those who reported four or more major housing quality problems frequently have poor life satisfaction and lower mental wellbeing.

Improve the standard of Wilton rental property will help tenants experience improved physical and mental health as well as lessen interruption to learning, work and daily life due to diseases. Your investment is also protected from mould, mildew and damp damages, which means less costs of maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a listing of minimum and specific requirements for heating, insulation Ventilation and Ventilation and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping for Wilton rental properties.

Begin now by calling about receiving a Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts are a major cause of low temperatures inside houses. A damp house costs more to heat, which completed jobs in wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

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

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you are able to feel external air flowing in or the air is clear from a hole or gap, then it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be permanently stopped. Cracks that are greater than 3mm and let air in or out of the home require the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it can create draughts. This should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent imaginable.

There is no require to cover up holes or gaps that are part of the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be necessary to allow for the movement of the structure when the house heats and cools, to allow them to be closed and opened instead of than being stuck. We will examine every window and door during an Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

The proper heating equipment is crucial to ensure healthy homes

Heating Wilton

Wilton rental properties must have a fixed source of heat that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 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 wellbeing.

The heating source needs that it be permanently fixed (i.e., not portable) that is, at minimum 1.5 kW in heating capacity, and must meet the minimum heating capacity needed for the main living space. A Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if the fix heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top-up" with a new heater. Fires that are open and unflued heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be safe heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat source, then it must be equipped with the thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters will be required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater may suffice.

If the living area already has a fixed heating source such as heat pumps, it might need an update to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the quality since they’re either inefficient, unaffordable to operate and/or unsafe to run.

Find the complete specifications on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to offer natural airflow. In addition, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

A ventilation standard is all about understanding that dried air can be much easier to heat and heat, and a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

Bedrooms, living rooms kitchens and dining rooms are considered to be liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable and don’t require an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs for them to be in a position to open to the outside while remaining set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high humidity-generating items will need suitable extractor fans which are vented towards the outside. Our Healthy Homes Assessment service will check that there is adequate air circulation in every living space and will also check for the proper extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A cozy dry house is an ideal house

Insulation Wilton

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers have to ensure that the insulation is up to current quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will help to control condensation and reduce the chances of mould and damp, and also makes an easier task to the household to retain heat.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – The rest area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and underfloor 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

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Protecting your rental property from moisture isn’t just about the inside but you must make sure there is somewhere for rain, surface as well as groundwater to move and prevent it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it is typically not apparent that it could be a huge problem and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties need to have effective drainage to eliminate floodwaters, surface water, and ground water, which includes an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water has a location to go and that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is an essential part of keeping your property dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your property has an enclosed space between your flooring and ground, a ground moisture barrier should be put in place if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is generally made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to prevent any moisture that is present in the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

The areas of rental property that are affected by Health Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard in Wilton include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check when conducting an house assessment to see if your rental property is in compliance with the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Are the floor spaces well-insulated? Is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The consequences of not having the Healthy home in relation to The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently falling on the wrong side of the tenant solutions ruling can be extremely costly for landlords and property managers. For specialist guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.