Insulation Requirements for Rental Properties Under the Healthy Homes Standards
- coastlineinsulatio
- May 1
- 2 min read
New Zealand’s climate can be harsh in winter, and poorly insulated homes can lead to damp, cold, and unhealthy living conditions. To address this, the Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) set out legal insulation requirements for rental properties across the country. If you’re a landlord or property manager, understanding and meeting these standards is not optional—it’s the law.
What Are the Healthy Homes Insulation Requirements?
Under the Healthy Homes Standards, landlords must ensure that:
Ceiling insulation is at least 120mm thick and in good condition.
Underfloor insulation is installed in homes with suspended floors (e.g., timber floors on piles).
All insulation must meet the minimum R-value for your climate zone and be reasonably practicable to install.
Climate Zone R-Values:
Zone 1 (Auckland, Northland) – Ceiling: R2.9 / Underfloor: R1.3
Zone 2 (Hamilton to Wellington) – Ceiling: R2.9 / Underfloor: R1.3
Zone 3 (South Island) – Ceiling: R3.3 / Underfloor: R1.3
✅ Pro Tip: Even if insulation was installed before July 2016, it may not meet today’s standards. It's worth checking!
How Can Landlords Ensure Compliance?
1. Get a Professional Assessment
Engage a qualified insulation or Healthy Homes assessor to:
Check the thickness and condition of existing insulation
Confirm R-values and installability
Provide a compliance report
2. Upgrade Where Necessary
If your property lacks insulation or has degraded material:
Use reputable insulation installers
Ensure materials are NZS 4246:2016 compliant
Healthy Homes New Zealand Keep records, receipts, and photos
3. Document Compliance
Landlords must include an insulation statement in the tenancy agreement. This includes:
Type and condition of insulation
Location (ceiling, underfloor, walls if applicable)
Dates of assessment or installation
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
Failure to meet the Healthy Homes insulation standard can result in:
Penalties of up to $7,200 per tenancy
Orders from the Tenancy Tribunal
Tenant complaints and rent refunds
Meeting the Healthy Homes insulation standards isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about providing tenants with a warm, dry, and energy-efficient home. Whether you own a single rental or manage a portfolio, now is the time to assess and upgrade your insulation to stay compliant and protect your investment.
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