What is the reasoning behind the Healthy Homes insulation standards?

Insulation increases a property’s capacity to retain heat. Therefore, if a rental property is sufficiently insulated, it will be easier and more affordable for a tenant to heat.

Can I get any assistance to achieve compliance?

Bay Energy Solutions offers free insulation assessments for homes in the Bay of Plenty & Waikato. Our experts can check your existing insulation and advise what needs to be done to be up to standard. We also offer free and no-obligation cost estimates. Further documentation is also available at tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/insulation-standard.

Can my rental property be exempt from the Healthy Homes insulation standards?

There are four exemptions that will exempt a rental property from complying with the insulation standards. These include:

• If it is not reasonably practicable to install insulation. An example of this might be if there is not enough space to install insulation in the roof cavity or under the floor.
• If the landlord intends to demolish or substantially rebuild the home within 12 months.
• If the tenant is the former owner of the property, an exemption can apply for the first 12 months of the tenancy.
• If a rental property is part of a building that the landlord does not own in its entirety. In this case, the landlord can be partially exempt from complying with parts of the standards.

Despite these exemptions, a landlord will still have to take all reasonable steps to comply with the insulation standards to the greatest extent reasonably practicable.

What do the standards mean by the term ‘reasonable condition’?

Reasonable condition simply means that that are no signs of damage. Types of insulation damage could include:

• Mould
• Dampness
• Rips
• Holes
• Gaps
• Compression
• Animal Damage

If you are not sure if your insulation is in reasonable condition, contact us for a free assessment.

How do I include a statement of compliance?

Since July 2020, tenancy agreements are required to include a statement of current compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards. Landlords must include this statement with new, varied and renewed agreements. This statement can be downloaded here: tenancy.govt.nz/assets/forms-templates/compliance-statement.pdf

Where can I find more information?

All other information and links you need can be found on our Legislation page.

I’m still not sure, does my property comply or not?

No worries, just ask our team! The experts at Bay Energy Solutions know all there is to know about the insulation standards. Simply let us come and check your insulation ourselves, at no cost to you. If your property does require more insulation to be installed, we can provide a competitive quote.