Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

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

The subjects covered in the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We will evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After assessing, we will advise you or your property manager of any work that requirements to be completed and provide a report with all the information needed for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards is a violation in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and landlords who are not conforming to the standards could be held accountable for up to $7,200 in addition to any healthier homes connected fines.

Our company is completely independent assessors of rental properties we are 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

Since the 1st July of 2021, when a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be taken care of by the end of 90 days.

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

Failure to meet all of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included in the new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement it could result in additional penalties or an infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they are related to the house they are living in. If the property manager does not supply the required information within 21 days of being informed of the request, they will receive an infringement letter and be fined upto $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or any other information. The person who is responsible for this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person leasing the property out It could also be the name of the landlord or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be current before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it is updated throughout the duration of the tenancy when any related work is completed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties could face greater penalties for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are given only for serious violations, and landlords who own more than six properties could be fined up to $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, and result in huge fines, in addition to having to continue to comply. Don’t risk your rental property Call us today and arrange to have an home inspection performed for your rental property.

Get the full description of how to apply the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

One in three households rent in New Zealand and Wilton, and research has shown that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating and tend to be lower quality than the homes of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses are linked to negative well-being results, specifically for diseases like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who experience at least four major home quality issues often suffer from less satisfaction in their lives and lower mental wellbeing.

Improving the standard of Wilton rental property can help tenants enjoy better mental and physical health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment is also safeguarded from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of the specific and minimum requirements for heating, insulation, Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Control on Wilton rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A damp home will cost more to heat, which means wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draught could be felt from unreasonable gaps or holes the area needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming from a crack or a gap that is, it’s likely a crack or hole that requirements sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be sealed permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit of your house need the sealing. For instance, if an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure such draughts are eliminated in the maximum extent possible.

You don’t need to cover up holes or gaps in the construction. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the household is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened rather than securing. We will check the windows and doors in your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

The proper heating equipment is important for healthy houses

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton must have a fixed heating source that can heat the largest or main living area to at minimum 18degC, even during 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 outlook.

The source of heating needs to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) that is, at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to determine whether the fixed heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to top up with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters like the portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be acceptable heating options for The Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating you offer is electric heating or heat pump then it must include a thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of homes, bigger fixed heating equipment like heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are needed. However, in some cases like apartments with small spaces small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater may suffice.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source, like a heat pump, then it could need some additional energy in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

See the full details on the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within a rental property must include at least one open doors or windows to offer natural ventilation. In addition, humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must have a suitable externally vented extractor fan that can take moisture away.

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

Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms are considered liveable areas. Connecting spaces such as the hallway are not considered living spaces and therefore are not need an opening door or window.

Each window, door , or Skylight requirements to be able to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position to allow for fresh air circulation and ventilation.

The bathrooms in all kitchens as well as any other space in your house that houses shower, bath, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need adequate extractor fans that vent 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.

Learn more about this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A dry and warm house is a healthy home

Insulation Wilton

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory for all rent homes as of July 1st, 2019. All landlords and property managers must ensure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In some cases, an existing insulation on the ceiling or in the subfloor space may require to be topped up or replaced.

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

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

The "R" signifies thermal resistance and is a measure of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the 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

See the full details of the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about the interior of the building but you must ensure there is somewhere for rain, surface or ground water and prevent it from getting into the building. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s often what you don’t see that can become a big problem, causing the property to suffer and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties should be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and ground water. This includes the proper outfall or runoff. Making sure the water is able to go, and also that it doesn’t sit beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside the drainage system that will prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between the floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be constructed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

Ground moisture barriers are usually made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground, in order to block any moisture that is present in the ground from entering the home. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

Learn more about The Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

Property rental areas that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Wilton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a variety of concerns to check during an house review to determine if your rental property meets the minimal requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. The most common are:

• Is the space under the floor covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? require to be topped up or replaced?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Do you have enough drainage? draught-stopping?
• Does the home have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy home in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of an Tenancy solutions ruling can be significant for property owners and landlords. For specialist advice get in touch today to schedule your rental property house evaluation.