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Since 1 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation is compulsory in all rental homes, where it is reasonably practicable to install. These requirements apply to all rental properties covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Insulation must meet the correct standards and be installed safely. Wall insulation is not compulsory.
Insulation is measured in terms of R-value where ‘R’ stands for thermal resistance. It is a rating which measures how well insulation can resist heat flow. New insulation in rental homes needs to meet minimum R-values depending upon the area of country in which property is in.
New Zealand is divided into three climate zones. Insulation that doesn’t meet the regulations must be topped up or replaced.
The healthy homes standards include new requirements for insulation, which will take effect from 1 July 2021 for some rental properties, with all rental properties to comply by 1 July 2024.
The Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) increases the minimum requirements for existing insulation in rental properties. This means that some rental homes that did not require new insulation under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) 2016 standards may now require a ceiling insulation upgrade or new underfloor insulation. All private rentals need to comply within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancies after 1 July 2021. We recommend complying with the Healthy Homes Standards now so that you can stay stress-free when the deadline comes.
Since 1 July 2016, landlords have needed to provide an insulation statement in all new tenancy agreements.
Learn more about insulation statement
From 1 December 2020, landlords must include a separately signed healthy homes standards compliance statement in most new or renewed tenancy agreements. It will include specific and prescribed information about how the landlord complies or intends to comply with Healthy Homes Standards.
Learn more about Healthy Homes Standards compliance statement
Ceiling Insulation
Existing ceiling insulation must be at least 120mm thick in all areas, except for where safety clearances are required. It needs to be in reasonable condition. If a home has less than 120mm of ceiling insulation, then this must be topped up to meet the minimum R-value requirements in the table above.
Mandatory ground moisture barrier for enclosed subfloor cavity
Underfloor Insulation
Existing insulation should have minimum R-value of 1.3 and must be in reasonable condition. R-value can be determined by using existing records or through assessment by an insulation professional. Book assessment here.
Want to read more? Check the Tenancy Service website or download the HHS Insulation Guide
PinkFit® installer can advise you on the best way to meet the regulations. It is our nationwide network of expert Pink® Batts® insulation installers.