Need Insulation for your rental? We’ve got you covered!

Find your local branch Book your Assessment

What you need to know

All rental properties in New Zealand must comply with the healthy homes standards that became law on 1 July 2019. That means by 1 July 2025, all private rentals must comply with the healthy homes standard.  These specific and minimum standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties.

Insulation & Healthy Homes Standard

At Premier Insulation, we’re here to help ensure your rental property meets the Healthy Homes Standards with compliant, high-quality insulation. These standards include updated requirements that may mean some insulation needs upgrading or replacing. Since 1 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes where it’s reasonably practicable to install.

Why Insulation Matters

Insulation is measured by R-value, which indicates its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Meeting these standards means improved comfort for tenants and greater energy efficiency.

Ceiling Insulation Requirements

  • In most regions, ceiling insulation needs to meet the required minimum R-values.

  • If the insulation was installed before 1 July 2016, it must be at least 120mm thick to remain compliant.

  • Adequate clearances around downlights, chimneys, and vents are also necessary for safety and ventilation.

Underfloor Insulation Requirements

  • Underfloor insulation needs a minimum R-value of R1.3.

  • All insulation must be in good condition, free from dampness, mould, damage, or gaps.

  • If there’s foil insulation and it’s damaged, torn, or no longer compliant, it must be fully removed and replaced with new insulation that meets the R1.3 minimum.

Learn more about requirements here

Need an Inspection or Upgrade?

Book your Assessment Call Us 0800 467 855

We understand the regulations and are here to provide practical solutions. Our team can assess your property’s insulation, recommend necessary upgrades, and ensure compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards.

Stay compliant, keep your tenants comfortable, and protect your property. Contact us today for a consultation or insulation assessment.

What is the required level for insulation? 

Insulation requirements are measured by R-value. R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more high-performing it is. 

Minimum R-values vary across New Zealand. Check out the map of climate zones to see where your property falls. 

Unsure? Not to worry, our team will be able to assess your property’s insulation needs and advise on the best insulation options to ensure you’re compliant. 

Zone 1:
Ceiling R2.9
Underfloor R1.3

Zone 2:
Ceiling R2.9
Underfloor R1.3

Zone 3:
Ceiling R3.3
Underfloor R1.3

Exemptions to the insulation standard

There are three specific insulation exemptions. The information here is an overview. More information on these exemptions is available can be found here

This information can be found on the tenacy.govt.nz website.

Access is impracticable or unsafe
Unfortunately, in some homes, areas of the ceiling or underfloor may be unsafe or not reasonably practicable to access. This can be due to their design, limited access and due to health and safety. 

Partial exemption for certain underfloor insulation
If the rental home has existing underfloor insulation that was installed when the home was built or converted. This insulation must still be in reasonable condition. Landlords must have a copy of any compliance documents that shows the home met the requirements of the time.

Ceilings and floors with other habitable spaces directly above or below
The third exemption applies to areas of ceilings or floors where there are other habitable spaces directly above or below. This might be another floor of the same property or another apartment. These areas do not require insulation to meet the healthy homes insulation standard.

If you installed new insulation since 1 July 2016, you should already meet the healthy homes insulation standard and you probably won’t need to do anything further to comply with the healthy homes standard. However, you should still check that the insulation is in reasonable condition. 

Need an Inspection or Upgrade?

Our team can assess your property’s insulation, recommend necessary upgrades, and ensure compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards.

P. 0800 467 855

E. [email protected]

Healthy Homes - Rental Properties Form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.