New regulations and law on home insulation introduced

By Anonymous
December 03, 2015

Scoop.co.nz has reported (03/12/2015) on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill that the Government introduced to Parliament today.

The associated proposed regulations for smoke alarms and insulation were released for consultation along with the Bill.

The new requirements are the next logical step after Warm Up New Zealand grants have insulated 285,000 homes and the Government ensuring that all state houses have insulation. The policy includes exemptions where it is not practical to install insulation.

Dr Nick Smith, Building and Housing Minister, said that the Bill aims to make rental homes safer, drier and warmer without imposing high costs.

From 1 July 2016, the Government will require all insulation standards to be met for all social housing. 

From 1 July 2019, other tenancies will need to have their insulation requirements met. 

From 1 July 2016, it will be mandatory for all landlords to disclose the extent of insulation in their rental property in tenancy agreements.

The regulations on smoke alarms and home insulation will be consulted on in parallel with the Select Committee process. Regulations will determine the number of smoke alarms and quantity of insulation required. 

Consultation closes on 10 February 2016.