About the regulations

The regulations came into force on 1 July 2016. They affect people who:  

  • rent privately 
  • live in social housing 
  • are a private rental landlord or social housing landlord. 

See the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016(external link) 

Smoke alarms

Working smoke alarms or detectors are compulsory in all rental homes. New smoke alarms must be photoelectric and either be hard-wired or have a long-life battery.  

See full details on the requirements for smoke alarms in rental properties on the Tenancy Services website.  

Smoke alarms in rental properties » Tenancy Services(external link) 

Insulation in rental properties

Ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes since 1 July 2019. Insulation requirements for rental properties are now covered by the Healthy Homes Standards.

Healthy homes insulation standard » Tenancy Services(external link) 

Use of foil insulation banned

The installation or repair of foil insulation in residential properties has been banned. 

A ban on installing or repairing foil insulation in residential buildings with existing electrical installations was declared under the Building Act 2004. 

It's an offence under the Act to breach this ban and anyone who breaches it may be liable to a fine of up to $200,000. 

Find out more about warnings and bans on building products on the Building Performance website.(external link) 

Related links

Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 (external link)