Reasonably practicable insulation
Question from karey updated on 28th November 2018:
I was wondering about the defintion of 'reasonably practicable' when it comes to meeting the requirement for insulating a rental property? I have a small unit that was insulated at the time of being built (circa 1994) but does not meet the current R-Value rating.
There is no access to ceiling space (it is gib ceiling without manhole) and if there was access, the space in sloped roof ranges from 10cm to 1.5 metre high. The walls (gib internally & hardie board externally) are also insulated but again do not meet current R-Value. The floor is concrete slab.
Our expert Bernard Parker responded:
The Tenancy Services website contains a very informative booklet that you can download: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Insulation-requirements.pdf . It describes what is required and what you may interpret as reasonably practicable. In short, common sense applies – if you can insulate the ceiling space or under the floor, you must do so. If you cannot (ceiling or floor), that area is exempt from the requirement.
Bernard is principal of Quinovic – Kapiti-Mana. Quinovic's outstanding people and systems provide the most professional, effective and reliable residential property management service in the NZ market for over 30 years.Search the Ask an Expert archive
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