Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, which came into force on July 1, mean that insulation is now required in all rental properties.

While it had to be installed in social housing from July 1, landlords have until July 1 2019 to install it in all other rental properties.

All insulation installed from July 1 this year onwards must be to the latest 2008 standards.

Further, landlords must also now include a declaration of the level of insulation underfloor, in walls and in the ceiling in all tenancy agreements.

To assist with the process, Standards New Zealand has published a revised insulation installation standard, Energy Efficiency – Installing Bulk Thermal Insulation in Residential Buildings.

It provides extended guidelines for insulation installers and building owners on how to do the job effectively.

Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith welcomed the new guidelines, saying they support the RTA changes which are intended to make rental homes warmer, drier and safer.

Homes with properly installed insulation provide a warm, dry and safe place for New Zealanders to live, he said.

This, in turn, means fewer hospital admissions, fewer school days lost and a better standard of living overall.

“Having a standard that details how to safely and correctly install that insulation in residential buildings makes it even easier for landlords and property managers to comply with the changes.”

Changes to the Residential Tenancies Regulations to reflect the revised standard come into force on October 1 2016.

The new standard is available here.

More information about insulation requirements is available on the Tenancy Services website at www.tenancy.govt.nz in the insulation section.