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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.
What is the required level of insulation for rental homes?
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.
Upcoming Healthy Homes Standards
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.
Required statements for tenancy agreements
Insulation statement
Since 1 July 2016, landlords have needed to provide an insulation statement in all new tenancy agreements.
Learn more about insulation statement
Healthy Homes Standards compliance 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
Healthy Homes Standards guide
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
- If the subfloor space is enclosed and accessible, it is mandatory to install a ground moisture barrier under the Healthy Homes Standardsfor moisture ingress and drainage . The other requirements are efficient drainage for removal of surface/ground water and gutters, downpipes and drains for removal of roof water.
Underfloor Insulation
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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.
- Domestic living spaces with suspended floors must have underfloor insulation
- Foil needs to be replaced with new underfloor insulation (not foil) where foil is not in reasonable condition or it does not meet the criteria for exemption (the home owner needs to provide a copy of a compliance document for exemption).
Want to read more? Check the Tenancy Service website or download the HHS Insulation Guide
How can we help?
PinkFit® installer can advise you on the best way to meet the regulations. It is our nationwide network of expert Pink® Batts® insulation installers.
- The PinkFit® insulation assessment has been updated to cover both the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) and the future Healthy Homes Standards insulation needs.
- You will receive an Insulation Assessment Report. If the insulation meets RTA requirements and upcoming Healthy Homes Standards this report will provide you the information necessary to make
- PinkFit® offers quote and install for Pink® Batts® ceiling and underfloor insulation; and ground moisture barrier to meet current insulation regulations under RTA and also upgrade to meet new Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) where necessary
- PinkFit® will ensure that insulation is installed in accordance with New Zealand Standard NZS 4246:2016 and you will receive Guarantee Certificate for that
What do I need to do to arrange an expert PinkFit® assessment?
- Submit the form below and our PinkFit® team will contact you to book your insulation assessment
- A PinkFit® insulation installer will come and check your rental property
- PinkFit® will then email you your Insulation Assessment Report along with an obligation-free quote if your property needs ceiling insulation, underfloor insulation, insulation remedial work or a ground moisture barrier
- If you go ahead, you pay through your preferred mode of payment as selected in the form
- Following an installation you'll get a PinkFit® installation guarantee certificate confirming that the installation of your new insulation meets the requirements of NZS 4246 - the installation standard.
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