If you own a rental property, making sure it meets the Healthy Homes Standards is not just a good idea, it’s the law. One of the key parts of these standards is insulation. Homes that are cold, damp, or hard to heat are not only uncomfortable, they can affect your tenants’ health and lead to higher maintenance costs over time.

At Absolute Energy, we help property owners check and upgrade their insulation so their homes are warm, dry, and compliant.

What the law requires for rental property insulation

From 1st July 2025, all rental homes in New Zealand will be required to meet minimum insulation standards. This was part of the wider Healthy Homes Standards introduced by the government in July 2019, to improve the quality of rental housing.

The insulation requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards include:

• Ceiling insulation must meet the 2008 Building Code levels or have at least 120mm of existing insulation in reasonable condition.
• Underfloor insulation is required in homes with suspended floors, unless the home sits directly on a concrete slab.
• Where there is an enclosed sub-floor, a ground moisture barrier is required.
• Insulation must be properly installed, free from gaps, damage or compression, and securely fixed in place.

If insulation doesn’t meet the standard, it needs to be upgraded.

What if you already had insulation?

Some properties were insulated before these standards came in. However, older insulation can break down, compress, or get moved over time. That’s why it’s important to check that it still meets the current requirements.

Even if your property passed a few years ago, it might not be up to scratch today.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Failing to meet the Healthy Homes Standards can result in penalties from Tenancy Services. Tenants can also take landlords to the Tenancy Tribunal. As a landlord, it’s your legal responsibility to ensure your property is up to standard and remains that way during the tenancy.

How we Absolute Energy help insulate your rental property?

At Absolute Energy, we’ve worked with landlords and property managers across the South Island to bring thousands of rentals up to standard.

Here’s what we offer:

• Insulation checks to assess what’s already in place
• Advice on compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards
• Old Insulation removal where insulation has deteriorated over time
• Professional insulation upgrades using high-quality products
• Fast turnaround with minimal disruption to your tenants
• Compliance documentation for your records

We service Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, Dunedin, Otago & Central Lakes areas.

Peace of mind for landlords

Upgrading insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your property. It helps your tenants stay warm and healthy, reduces heating bills, and protects your investment in the long term.

If you’re not sure whether your property meets the current insulation standards, book a free assessment with Absolute Energy today. Call Absolute Energy or book your insulation check online at www.absoluteenergy.co.nz.