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 in force on July 1, 2021? Landlords are now required to make sure that their Wellington Central 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 fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

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

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

We will assess your rental property and determine if it meets the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. Following the assessment, we will advise you or your property manager about the tasks which requirements to be completed, and provide an assessment report that includes all the information required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Inability to meet the standards to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not complying may be liable for as much as $7,200 and additional healthy homes connected fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors for rental properties, in addition, we’re completely qualified to assess both 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 new or renewed contract is signed on a Wellington Central rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks need to be done by the end of 90 days.

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

Inability to adhere to any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in a fine of up to $7200. Additionally, if a current Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t incorporated within a new, renewed or amended tenancy agreement there may be an additional fine or violation fee.

Anyone can request information regarding the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they are living in. If the landlord or property manager does not provide the information requested within 21 days from having received the inquiry, they can receive an infringement letter and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s also a penalty of up to $900 for property owners or property managers who have provided a false or incorrect Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person responsible for this fine is the person who is listed on the tenancy agreement as the person who is renting the property, so it could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Statement of Compliance requirements to be up-to-date when the tenancy contract is completed, and should be maintained throughout the tenancy as any relevant work gets completed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own several rental properties can face greater penalties for non-compliance. The harshest penalties are handed down for the most serious violations, and landlords who own at least six rental properties could be fined as high as $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket with huge fines, in addition to still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

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

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance important?

A majority of households the property in New Zealand and Wellington Central, and research suggests that rental houses are most likely to be colder, older and are not as efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than homes that are owned by the owner.

The damp, cold and mouldy homes are linked to negative health outcomes, especially for illnesses like colds, influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, those who have reported four or more key housing quality problems frequently have lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improving the quality of Wellington Central rental property can allow tenants to experience better physical and mental health, and lessen the disruption to work, learning and daily life due to illness. Your investment will be secured from mildew, mould and damp damages, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught-stopping on Wellington Central rental properties.

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

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Wellington Central

Draughts can lead to low temperatures inside houses. A humid home is more expensive to heat, which means wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draft can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it requirements to be sealed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or the sound of a clear draught emanating from a gap or hole that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole which needs sealing in somehow. Large cracks and gaps should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that allow air to enter or exit from the home need sealing. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed off. Property managers and landlords are accountable for making sure that such draughts are squelched as much as possible.

There is no need to block off holes or gaps which are part of the building. For instance, small gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building as the house is heated and cools so that they are able to be closed and opened instead of than securing. We will test the windows and doors in the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

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

A good heating system is crucial to ensure well-being homes

Heating Wellington Central

Wellington Central rental properties should have a permanent heating source that can warm the living room to at least 18degC even on the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements for it to be permanent (i.e., not portable) that is, at least 1.5 kW of heating capacity, and must meet the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to determine if your current fix heater(s) are sufficient or whether you will need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters, such as small portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you offer is electric heating or heat pump, then it must be equipped with an thermostat. This will help make the heating more consistent and effective. For most properties, larger fixed heating devices such as wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. In some instances, like small apartments small apartments, a smaller electric fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source, like the heat pump, it might need a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Certain kinds of heaters aren’t able to be used to comply with the quality as they are either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

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

Ventilation Wellington Central

Every living space of a rental property has to contain at minimum one open door or window to provide natural ventilation. In addition, high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor fan that can remove moisture.

The ventilation quality is all about understanding it is that the dry atmosphere is easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to grow damp and mould.

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

Every window, door or skylight requirements at least to open up to the outside while remaining fixed in an open position, allowing to circulate fresh air as well as air flow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room in your house that houses shower, bath and cooktop or another humidity-generating items will need appropriate extractor fans that are vented out to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation throughout the living spaces with the right extractor fan in areas of high moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Wellington Central

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is required on all rental homes from 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to make sure that the insulation is in line with this new standard. In some instances, old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space might require to be filled with or replaced.

A well-insulated property can reduce condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and will also make an easier task to the house to hold the heat.

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

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation is able to resist heat flow. The more high the R-value, more efficient the insulation.

• Zone 1 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, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3, underfloor R 1.3

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

Wellington Central Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from water damage isn’t only about what’s inside the building; you have to make sure there is somewhere for surface, rain and underground water to flow and also stop it from getting into the building. When it is damp and moisture, it’s usually the concerns you don’t notice that can become a big problem, causing damage to your investment and harming your tenant’s health.

Rental properties should be equipped with efficient drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a proper place to go and that it can’t linger underneath the 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 floor and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

A ground moisture barrier is usually a polythene sheet laid over the ground to stop any moisture from the ground from getting into the property. It also assists in preventing water damage to the floor insulation.

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

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Wellington Central

Rental property areas affected to Healthy Homes Standard. Healthy Homes Standards in Wellington Central include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Wellington Central for Rental Properties

There are numerous things you should look for in an home inspection to determine whether your rental property meets the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space covered in insulation and is there a ground moisture barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation require replenishment or replacement?
• Can the unit heat up enough capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having an Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of the ruling on tenancy services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For expert guidance, contact us now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.