The Wellington City Council has partnered with public health experts at the University of Otago, Wellington to create a voluntary Warrant of Fitness scheme for Wellington rental properties.
On the 28th August, the WoF scheme and its accompanying app will be launched, with the app enabling Wellington landlords and tenants to check properties against minimum health standards designed by experts and allowing landlords to request a full inspection certified with the WoF (valid for 3 years).
We spoke with Lucy Telfar-Barnard today, one of the leading public health experts who helped develop the WoF. She recommended landlords conduct pre-inspections themselves using the app to see what needs to be addressed before booking the pass-fail inspection ($250) that covers a 29-point criteria including insulation, ventilation and structural stability. WCC is hoping this scheme will provide useful insights for a permanent Wellington Housing Quality Standard.
Though costly at $250, the Warrant of Fitness does provide landlords the advantage of allowing tenants to see at a glance the standard of their property on online listings, helping increase demand and grow their rental income, creating a win-win for both parties.
Quinovic Wellington Property Managers
Article written: August 2017