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NZ StatutoryRTA 1986HHS 2019

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HomeGuidesInsulation R-values

HHS Pillar 2 of 5 · Regulations 4-5

Healthy Homes Insulation Standard — R-values for Ceilings & Underfloors

Required R-values for ceiling and underfloor insulation in NZ rental properties, plus how to verify existing insulation meets the Healthy Homes Standards.

Last updated 12 August 2026 11 min read MBIE-aligned

On this page

  • Definition
  • Compliance threshold
  • How to comply
  • Common failures
  • FAQ
  • Definition
  • Compliance threshold
  • How to comply
  • Common failures
  • FAQ

Definition

Healthy Homes Insulation Standard The Healthy Homes Insulation Standard requires all rental properties to have ceiling insulation with a minimum R-value of R 2.9 (or R 3.3 in climate zones 3 and above — Canterbury, Otago, Southland) and underfloor insulation with a minimum R-value of R 1.3, measured in accordance with NZS 4246:2016. ALLWISE auto-detects the climate zone from the property address and applies the correct threshold.

Compliance threshold

Ceiling R 2.9 (zones 1-2) or R 3.3 (zones 3-6); Underfloor R 1.3

How to comply — step by step

  1. 1

    Identify the BRANZ climate zone

    Use the property address to determine the BRANZ climate zone. This determines the ceiling R-value threshold.

  2. 2

    Locate existing insulation

    Check the ceiling space (via manhole) and subfloor (via access hatch) for existing insulation. Note the type (wool, polyester, glasswool), thickness, and condition.

  3. 3

    Verify R-value from product specs

    Look up the insulation product's R-value from the manufacturer datasheet. Multiply by thickness if needed (e.g. R 1.8 per 100mm).

  4. 4

    Compare to threshold

    If ceiling R is below 2.9 (zones 1-2) or 3.3 (zones 3-6), or underfloor R is below 1.3, the property fails the Insulation Standard.

  5. 5

    Document for the evidence pack

    Take a photo of each insulation location showing the product label, thickness measurement, and the BRANZ climate zone reference. ALLWISE auto-tags these.

Common insulation r-values failures

  • Original 1970s insulation degraded below R 2.9
  • No underfloor insulation in pre-2019 rentals
  • Wrong R-value used (e.g. nominal vs installed)
  • Insulation displaced, leaving thermal bypass gaps

Frequently asked questions

What R-value do I need for ceiling insulation in Auckland?
Auckland is BRANZ climate zone 2, so the minimum ceiling R-value is R 2.9. Canterbury, Otago, and Southland (zone 3+) require R 3.3.
Do existing homes need to upgrade insulation?
Yes. From 1 July 2019, all residential rental properties must meet the Healthy Homes Insulation Standard, regardless of when they were built. Existing insulation that meets R 2.9 (or R 3.3 in cold zones) is acceptable; otherwise upgrade is required.

Skip the manual calculation

Need an assessment for this standard?
Book a certified inspection.

ALLWISE auto-fills the insulation r-values check into every statutory pack based on the property address, room dimensions, and BRANZ climate zone. Court-defensible evidence in 11 minutes.

Book a certified inspection See the engine Or buy a pack — $49

Other HHS pillars covered by ALLWISE

Heating CalculationVentilationMoisture BarriersDraught Stopping