The Government announcement covers the new Healthy Homes Standards for rental properties. This includes heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught-stopping.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll focus on the services we currently offer – insulation and ground vapour barriers.

So, what has actually been announced?

For property owners that are under a tenancy agreement (residential landlords):

1. Owners must comply with the Residential Tenancy Act by 1 July 2019 – which means the ceiling insulation in the property must meet the minimum standard of 70mm thick and an R value of R2.9.

2. Owners must be compliant with the Healthy Homes Act within 90 days of a new tenancy after 1 July 2021.

3. All rental properties must be compliant by 1 July 2024.

What are the proposed new standards for the Healthy Homes Act?

Ceiling

Minimum ceiling insulation thickness requirement shifts from 70mm to 120mm.

Underfloor

No change to insulation requirement.

Ground Vapour Barrier

All rental properties with an enclosed subfloor must have a ground vapour barrier installed if it can be practically done.

I’ve had my residential tenancies act insulation installed by The Insulation Warehouse, do I need to get it redone to comply with the new proposed standards?

No, if we have installed your insulation since 2016, you already comply with the minimum 120mm thick insulation and R2.9 standards.

I’ve had my existing insulation assessed by The Insulation Warehouse and I passed. How do I know if I also meet the proposed new standard?

Your installation certificate will state the details of the insulation in your rental property, including the thickness of the insulation.

If the thickness is above 70mm but below 120mm in the ceiling, you will need new or additional insulation installed either within 90 days of a new tenancy after 1 July 2021 or before the 1 July 2024.

If your property was assessed by a different company, we’d recommend getting assessed by us – which you can book here.

I have more questions…

Not a problem. We’re happy to help and answer any questions you may have around compliance with the Healthy Homes Act – send us a message or give us a call on 09 6368409.

• insulation
• 14 March