The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says landlords have just over one month to ensure their rental properties meet the 2016 insulation requirements.

MBIE says those who don't meet requierments face exemplary damages of up to $4,000 under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and there will be no room for extensions.

From 1 July 2019, a landlord who has not installed ceiling and floor insulation where reasonably practicable will be in breach of the Act and may face the Tenancy Tribunal.

“The Act does not allow for extensions, and this would be unfair to those landlords who have acted in time to do the right thing,” says Peter Hackshaw, Acting National Manager, Tenancy Compliance and Investigations.

“The requirement to insulate was widely publicised in 2016 when the changes to the Act were made, and Tenancy Services has worked hard to ensure landlords are aware of their responsibilities by running an extensive information and education campaign.

“Landlords have had ample time and information to get the required work done and failing to comply is not only unlawful, it also exposes tenants to potential harm by not having a home that is warm and dry enough during the winter months.”

Any tenant who feels that their landlord has failed to meet their responsibilities to have the correct insulation installed by the 1 July 2019 deadline can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for an order resolving that dispute.

Information on insulation requirements for rental homes is available on the Tenancy Services website.