What you need to know:New Insulation Regulations for Rental

From July 1 all landlords must declare the level of insulation in their rental properties. They will then have three years to ensure their properties meet minimum insulation standards. Housing New Zealand properties however must meet the new standards by July 1 this year. Here's what you need to know:
Landlords
·         By July 1 this year, all landlords must declare the level of insulation in their rental properties
·         All tenancies, including boarding houses, must have ceiling and under-floor insulation with a minimum thickness of 70mm by July 1, 2019
·         Housing New Zealand rental properties must have the new standard of insulation by July 1 2016
·         The new standards apply to habitable spaces -- garages and storage spaces are excluded. Under-floor insulation applies to suspended wooden floors. If a property sits on a concrete slab, that counts as insulation
·         There are three exemptions to the new insulation rules: if a property's physical design makes it impractical to retrofit; if a property is sold and immediately rented back to the former owner-occupier, like properties NZTA has bought for roading projects; and properties which are due to be demolished or substantially rebuilt
Tenants
·         If tenants have a problem with insufficient insulation they can take a case to the Tenancy Tribunal. The Tribunal can order damages of up to $3000
·         If there is a severe breach of the Residential Tenancy Act alleged, or significant risk to tenants, the Government can investigate and take direct action against landlords
Grants will be available for insulation for rental properties occupied by low-income tenants through Warm Up New Zealand from July 1.

(From http://www.newshub.co.nz/nznews/what-you-need-to-know-new-insulation-regulations-for-rental-properties-2016062811#axzz4EuxgjRBL)