Insulation in rental properties
Insulation is now compulsory in all rental homes.
Since 1 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to install. It must comply with the regulations and be safely installed.
There are 2 sets of regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) that govern standards for insulation in rental properties. These are:
- Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019
- Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016
Important:
Which regulations currently apply to your property depends on the date your tenancy agreement was signed or renewed.
Any new or renewed tenancies after 1 July 2021 must meet the healthy homes insulation standards. All rental properties will need to comply with these standards by 1 July 2025.
Use our online tool to find out if you are likely to need to upgrade or replace your insulation to meet the healthy homes standard.
Healthy homes insulation standard
The healthy homes insulation standard requires a minimum standard of ceiling and underfloor insulation in rental properties. There are also requirements for how insulation must be installed.
The healthy homes insulation standard builds on the requirements of the 2016 Regulations. Some properties that meet those requirements will need to upgrade or replace their existing insulation.
When your property will need to have met this standard:
- boarding houses: by 1 July 2021 (except Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Provider boarding house tenancies)
- private rentals: between 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2025.
- Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Provider houses: by 1 July 2024
Use the compliance timeframes decision tool to find out when your rental property needs to comply
Read more about the healthy homes insulation standard
Insulation and compliance statements
Since 1 July 2016, landlords have needed to provide an insulation statement in all new tenancy agreements.
More information on insulation statements
From 1 December 2020, landlords have had to include a separately signed healthy homes standards compliance statement in most new or renewed tenancy agreements. If the insulation information has already been provided in the insulation statement, it is not necessary to include it again in the compliance statement.
More information on the healthy homes standards compliance statement
If tenants think their rental property doesn’t meet the insulation requirements, they should talk to their landlord first. If they can’t resolve the issue themselves, there are several options available, including mediation.
Visit the page below to find out what to do next.
In this section
Since 1 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes, where it is reasonably practicable to install.
Due to the design or construction of some properties, it may not be reasonably practicable to install insulation.
Make sure you know the law and safety rules when working with insulation. If you’re not sure about managing the risks, hire a professional.
Use this tool to find out whether you need to upgrade the insulation in your rental property to meet the healthy homes standards.
