HEALTHY HOMES STANDARDS · INSULATION

Ceiling and underfloor, to the right R value,
for your climate zone.

Every NZ rental needs ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the minimum specification for its part of the country. Insulation has been compulsory in rentals since 2019; the Healthy Homes regime tightened the spec.

What the standard requires

Rental homes must have ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets a minimum R value, scaled to where the property sits on the climate map. Three climate zones apply in New Zealand; the further south you are, the higher the minimum R value.

Insulation has been compulsory in rentals since 1 July 2019, but the Healthy Homes regime tightened the spec for any insulation installed or replaced from 1 July 2019 onward. Existing insulation installed before that date is acceptable if it is in reasonable condition (not damp, not compressed, no large gaps) and meets at least the previous minimum.

Underfloor insulation is required where there is an enclosed sub floor that is accessible. Concrete slab floors and inaccessible sub floors are exempt for that part of the standard.

What to look for in your flat

4 checks
  • The Healthy Homes compliance statement lists the R value of the ceiling and underfloor insulation.
  • If you can safely access the ceiling space, look for an even layer of bulk insulation (typically pink or yellow batts) across the whole ceiling, with no large gaps.
  • If there is a sub floor, look for foil or batts fixed to the underside of the floor joists. No loose ground level cover counts.
  • Skirting boards, walls, and ceilings that are colder to the touch than the rest of the room can be a sign of missing or compressed insulation behind them.

What to do if it is not in place

4 steps
Ask the landlord for the Healthy Homes compliance statement.
It should be attached to your tenancy agreement; check the R values listed.
If the statement is missing or the R values are below the minimum, email the landlord with the gap.
If they do not act, serve a 14 day notice to remedy.
Insulation can take time to install, so the Tribunal expects reasonable but firm timelines.
Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal if the work is not completed.
The Tribunal can order both the installation and compensation.

Compliance status

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory since 1 July 2019. The Healthy Homes insulation standard, with the higher R values, applies fully to private rentals from 1 July 2025.

Common exemptions

Sub floor insulation is not required where the sub floor is inaccessible or where there is no sub floor (for example, slab on grade). Some properties are partially exempt where insulation cannot physically be installed. For the full list, see Tenancy Services on Healthy Homes exemptions.

The other four standards

Sources

This page summarises the insulation standard as published by Tenancy Services and the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. For the authoritative wording, see Tenancy Services on the insulation standard.

Last updated . Flatchat is not your lawyer; if your tenancy is heading to the Tribunal, talk to Tenancy Services or a qualified advocate.

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