Since 1 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation is compulsory in all rental homes, where it is reasonably practicable to install, under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2016.
Insulation must meet the correct standards and be installed safely. Wall insulation is not compulsory. Under the 2016 regulations, existing insulation had to meet certain R-values (or ceiling insulation was less than 70mm thick) and be in reasonable condition, unless an exemption applies.
Insulation requirements changes
The healthy homes insulation standard increases the minimum standard for existing insulation. This means that some homes that did not require new insulation under the 2016 requirements may require a ceiling insulation ‘top-up’ or new underfloor insulation under the healthy homes standard.
The healthy homes insulation standard requires all rental homes to have insulation consistent with the 2008 building code or, for existing insulation it must be at least 120mm thick. If a home has less than 120mm of ceiling insulation, then this must be topped up, or new insulation installed in order to meet the healthy homes minimum R-value requirements.
Landlords who installed new insulation to meet the 2016 requirements will likely meet the healthy homes insulation standard, provided the insulation remains in a reasonable condition. This is because the minimum R-values for new insulation have not changed under the healthy homes insulation standard.
While new insulation is expected to last for decades, it’s a good idea to check that it is still in reasonable condition.
Source: TENANCY.GOVT.NZ