Healthy Homes Assessment Wilton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you know that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure their Wilton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of the start of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be completely compliant by 1 July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

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

We can evaluate the rental property you have in order to determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that needs to be completed and offer the report with all the information needed to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not following the rules could be subject to fines of up to $7,200 in addition to any healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties as well as fully qualified to assess both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6790

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, if a new, renewed or varied contract is signed on a Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work have to be done inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, if a new or renewed contract is signed on the Wilton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done within 90 days.

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

Any tenant can ask for information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they live in. If the landlord or property manager fails to provide the necessary information within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they may receive an infringement notice and be fined as high as $750.

Furthermore, there’s an additional fine of up to $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or any other information. The person responsible for this fine is whoever is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out which could be the name of the landlord as well as the company that manages the property.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be accurate when the tenancy contract is signed, and ideally it must be updated throughout the tenancy as any related work is completed.

It is also crucial to be aware that landlords with multiple rental properties may face additional fines for non-compliance. The most severe penalties are handed down only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties can be fined as high as $50,000, and as much as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, with large fines in addition to having to continue to comply. Do not risk your rental property call us now and make arrangements to have a home assessment done on your rental property.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

Why is Healthy Homes Compliance so important?

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

Cold, damp and mouldy homes are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people who experience four or more key house quality problems often experience poor life satisfaction and lower mental health.

Enhancing the quality of Wilton rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and living due to health issues. Your investment is also better protected from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a set of specific and minimal standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping within Wilton rental properties.

Get started now and contact us about getting a Wilton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wilton

Draughts may lead to low temperatures inside homes. A damp house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting money and energy.

If a draught could be perceived as a result of gaps or holes the area requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air entering or the air is clear from a crack or a gap that is, it is likely a crack or hole which needs sealing in the way you can. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from your house need to be sealed. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t being used, it can cause draughts and should be blocked off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that these draughts are stopped as much as imaginable.

There is no need to block holes or gaps that are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for movement of the building as the house heats and cools, in order to let them be closed and opened rather instead of being stuck. We will examine every window and door in our Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

Adequate heaters are important to ensure healthy homes

Heating Wilton

Rental properties in Wilton require a reliable heating source that is able to heat the{ main or largest|| largest or main| principal or the biggest} living area to at minimum 18degC, even during the coldest winter days. This is the minimum indoor temperature suggested by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e. not portable) and at minimum 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and it must have the minimum required heating capacity in the living area. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or if you’ll require to "top-up" with a new heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters like mobile LPG bottle heaters are not considered to be safe heating options under Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you provide is an electric heater or heat source, then it must have the thermostat. This will make your heating more consistent and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If the main living room already has a central heating source, like a heat pump, then it may require an upgrade to meet the standards. Certain types of heaters cannot be used to meet the quality because they’re not effective, cost prohibitive to operate and/or unhealthy to run.

Find the complete specifications for details on Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Wilton

Each living space within a rental property has to include at least one open window or exterior door to provide natural airflow. In addition, high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an venting fan outside to take moisture away.

The ventilation standard is all about understanding how the dry atmosphere is less difficult to heat and that the property that is properly ventilated is less likely to be a victim of damp and mould.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are all considered living spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening door or window.

Every window, door or the skylight requirements to have the ability to open up to the outside, and stay closed, allowing the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and any other area in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

See the full details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A comfortable, dry home is an ideal home

Insulation Wilton

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings is a requirement to all rental houses since July 1, 2019. Property managers and landlords should ensure that the insulation is in line with standards that are in line with the latest quality. In certain situations, the current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space might require to be topped up or replaced.

A well-insulated house will help to control condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness, and will also make an easier task to the home to retain warmth.

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

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

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the remainder area of 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 (underfloor R 1.3

Learn more about the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Wilton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building It’s about having to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain or ground water, and stop it from coming into the building. When it is about damp and water, it is frequently the concerns you don’t notice that can cause a lot of trouble and end up causing damage to your investment and affecting the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of storm water, surface water, and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure that the water is able to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is an essential part of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to the drainage system that will prevent moisture from entering, if your property has an enclosed space between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically made of polythene and is laid on top of the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the structure. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage quality.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wilton

Rental property areas affected by Health Homes Standards. Healthy Homes Standard in Wilton include each:

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

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wilton for Rental Properties

There are a variety of things to be able to examine during the house assessment to see if your rental property meets the minimum requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. There are a few examples:

• Is the space under the floor insulated and is a ground moisture barrier present?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require topping up or replacing?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have enough air circulation, including extractor fans?

The consequences of not having an Healthy home that is in compliance with lawful Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of a Tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.