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Jessica
Consultant
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
Hi
I am a New Zealand lawyer based in Wellington and will help you with your question today. Please give me a minute to read the question
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
I dont know where your first answer is but I can help now
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
The system will request a phone call. It looks like I am making the request, but it is an automatic request. I’m more than happy to talk on the phone if you’d like, but you are not required to accept the call request
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
Your original question was about insulation. As of 1 July this year the government has passed a law which says that houses must be properly heated and insulated. So landlords must ensure houses comply and can be penalised if they dont
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
Dont worry about the phone call
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
Since 1 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation is compulsory in all rental homes, where it is reasonably practicable to install.
These requirements apply to all rental properties covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. This includes houses rented by Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers.
Insulation must meet the correct standards and be installed safely. Wall insulation is not compulsory.
Landlords who don’t have the correct insulation installed, and don’t meet the criteria for an exception, are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act. They may be liable for exemplary damages of up to $4,000.
If tenants think their rental property doesn’t meet the insulation requirements, they should talk to their landlord first. If they can’t resolve the issue themselves, there are several options available, including mediation.
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
Then that clearly does not comply with the standards. If the landlord will not fix this you can go to the Tenanct Tribunal and get a work order to force him to fix this, and also ask for rent to be reduced until this has been done
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
Chris The Lawyer, Expert