ACT Audit Office

We provide an independent view on the accountability, efficiency and effectiveness of the ACT Public Sector

Energy efficiency standard for rental properties

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Report Date: 09 May 2025

Activity: Regulation
Sector:  Business and commerce | Environment and sustainability

On 1 April 2023, the ACT Government commenced a new minimum standard for ceiling insulation in rental properties by way of regulation.

The standard requires owners of rental properties in the ACT with no insulation, or existing ceiling insulation below an R-value of R2, to install or upgrade the ceiling insulation to a minimum R-value of R5. Rental properties with existing insulation of R2 or higher are considered to meet the standard. 1

The audit assessed the effectiveness of the implementation of the minimum standard for ceiling insulation in rental properties from the pre-commencement period in 2022 through to mid-2024.

1 ‘R-value’ refers to the thermal resistance of ceiling insulation and is defined in the AS/NZ Standard 4859.1 Thermal Insulation Materials. The higher the R-value the more the insulation slows heat flow and insulates a home

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