Landlords have been told their time is running out to insulate rental properties.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said the number of landlords who have insulated or are currently in the process is not high enough if they're to reach the July 2019 deadline.
Changes made to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) in 2016 mean all rental properties need to have ceiling and under floor insulation installed.
But MBIE Housing and Tenancy Services Branch General Manager Steve Watson said the fast-approaching deadline means some landlords will have to move soon to get their properties up to standard.
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Estimates suggested between 126,000 and 200,000 homes still need to be properly fitted for insulation.
MBIE said this number is far higher than the industry can accommodate before the deadline.
Insulation Association of NZ Executive Officer Richard Arkinstall said there was no cutting corners for landlords who found themselves under the pump.
"Installing insulation is a complex job and needs to be done to the right New Zealand standard.
"The qualified insulation installers who belong to our organisation can insulate an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 properties each year".
Mr Watson said from July 1, there would be consequences for landlords who failed to comply with insulation requirements.
"Landlords need to know they can't afford to leave insulation until the last minute. If they don't book the work now, they could miss out altogether."
Any landlords that don't meet insulation requirements by the deadline could face fines of up to $4000 per house.
Newshub.
