Minimum housing standard for ceiling insulation in rental properties

What the standard is

Rental properties with no ceiling insulation or insulation below an R-value of R2, need to install or upgrade the ceiling insulation to a minimum R-value of R5.

Rental properties with existing ceiling insulation with a minimum R-value of R2 meet the standard.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental property meets the standard.

Landlords must disclose whether the property meets the standard or is exempt both:

• when advertising the property
• when entering the tenancy agreement.

When the standard needs to be met

The standard is being phased in over a 4 year period. If a rental property does not meet the standard, owners need to meet the standard within 9 months after signing a new tenancy agreement.

All properties must comply by 30 November 2026, unless exempt.

What landlords need to do

Keep evidence of the standard being met

Landlords must keep records of their property’s compliance with, or exemption from, the standard.

Evidence about compliance with the standard can include:

• a receipt for insulation installation services that includes the R-value of the ceiling insulation
• an inspection report from an insulation installer
• an Energy Efficiency Rating report from a building assessor, if the property was built after 1997
• a statutory declaration that the existing insulation has not been disturbed
• a statutory declaration that ceiling insulation with an R-value of R2 or more has been installed.

Meet requirements if new ceiling insulation is required

If the property requires new ceiling insulation to meet the standard, the landlord must:

• ensure an electrical safety inspection is conducted by a licensed electrician before any ceiling insulation is installed
• have a licenced electrician complete any required work to fix any electrical issues before the insulation is installed.

This is to ensure the safety of the rental property and tenants.

As part of an electrical safety inspection, landlords must ensure that the licenced electrician:

• completes a required electrical work report [PDF 376& kB]
• completes an electrical work report [PDF 376 kB], if any electrical work is needed
• provides a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) to Access Canberra within 14 days.

Landlords should ask for a copy of the CES for their records.

Have ceiling insulation installed by a certified installer

Landlords must ensure insulation is installed by a certified installer.

Find a certified insulation installer on the Energy Efficiency Council’s website.

What tenants need to do

Tenants can support the installation of ceiling insulation by providing access to the rental property.

Tenants will generally not need to leave the property for the electrical safety check or insulation installation, which will usually take less than half a day.

Landlords have a right to access the property to meet the standard's requirements in the same way that applies to non-urgent repairs or maintenance.

Landlords should give tenants at least one week written notice that they need to access the property. The tenant and landlord should agree on a time to access the property that suits them both.

If a tenant refuses access to the property in writing, the landlord may claim a temporary exemption from compliance with the standard for the duration of the tenancy.

Dispute resolution

Tenants have the right to request and be provided with documentary evidence that either:

• the property meets the minimum standard for ceiling insulation
• the property has a valid exemption.

Tenants can apply to ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for dispute resolution if:

• they dispute a claim that the property meets the standard
• they believe an exemption has been made based on a false or misleading statement
• the property does not comply with the minimum standard within the required timeframe.

ACAT may make orders for rent reduction, financial compensation or an order to end the tenancy.

Read more about how ACAT can help resolve rental property disputes.

Support to pay for upgrades

Landlords are responsible for the cost of upgrades to meet the standard. The cost of insulation upgrades will vary depending on the property and the amount of work required.

To assist with upfront costs, eligible landlords can access support through the Sustainable Household Scheme and the Home Energy Support Program.

Factsheets and checklist