Landlords! Did you know?

Make sure your ACT rental property meets the new ceiling insulation standard

In 2023, the ACT government introduced a new minimum standard for ceiling insulation in rental properties.
The deadline to meet the standard is in November / December 2026; depending on tenancy agreements.
All properties without an exemption need to comply by then. It will be an offence not to properly disclose your rental property's roof insulation details. 

Financial assistance 

We can help you assess your property and eligibility for various forms of financial help towards ceiling insulation upgrades.
These include: 

• Up to $2,600 in exclusive ActewAGL discounts
• the Sustainable Household Scheme
• the Home Energy Support Program
• other partner programs for financing.

What the standard says 

The standard is based on 'R-Values' of insulation. More about R values.
ACT government information says:
'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.' 

There are some exemptions. 

When's the deadline? 

You must ensure that your rental property complies: 

• By 30 November 2026 if there's an existing tenancy agreement
• Within 9 months of signing any new tenancy agreements.

Exemptions 

Some properties may be eligible for a temporary or permanent exemption. Read more.
If you have a temporary exemption, your property must still meet the standard within 3 – 9 months, depending on the circumstances. 

Disclosure and advertising 

You need to disclose whether your property meets the standard with a 'Statement of Compliance' and in rental advertising.
Failing to disclose or providing misleading information about your property's ceiling insulation will be deemed an offence. 

Safety and qualified workers 

The new rules state: 

• New ceiling insulation must be installed by a certified installer.
• Before new insulation is installed, your property needs an electrical safety inspection by a licensed electrician.
• A licenced electrician must complete any required work to fix electrical issues before insulation is installed.

We can help 

At Alexander Watson, we're proud to be the only insulation and electrification business in Canberra that's ISO certified for our quality, safety and environmental systems. 

We're the first and the biggest employer of EEC certified insulation installers in Australia. 
Our team of licensed electricians, refrigeration technicians and even a licensed builder offer a complete, customised service.
Read more about our difference. 

Next steps 

Depending on the current R value of ceiling insulation, new insulation may need to be added. We can: 

• Explain the new standard and technical details; including R values and electrical work
• Work out a customised plan suited to your property, priorities and budget
• Help you get up to $2,600 in exclusive ActewAGL discounts
• Help you access the Sustainable Household Scheme and Home Energy Support Program if eligible
• Finalise quotes and work plans
• Do the upgrade!

How do we improve ceiling insulation? 

We'll do an initial assessment based on: 

• Current insulation
• Electrical wiring
• Other aspects of the home that affect insulation.

Depending on the current insulation, wiring and R values – we'll work out a solution that suits your property, budget and priorities.
This may mean installing new insulation or enhancing the current insulation.  

At Alexander Watson, we're product agnostic. This means we work with you towards a tailored plan. 

More on ceiling insulation services. 

Book a free inspection with us today. We'll: 

• Assess your current ceiling insulation R value
• Work out any upgrades needed
• Work with you to upgrade your home's ceiling insulation.