Insulation Rebate

Insulation rebate scheme for landlords on the costs of insulating their rental properties

  1. The benefits of ceiling insulation 
  2. The rebate and who qualifies?
  3. Do I require any council permits?
  4. Duration of the scheme
  5. The rebate application process
  6. Terms and conditions
  7. How do I receive the rebate?

The benefits of ceiling insulation

Up to 35% of a house's heat loss is through the ceiling.  Therefore, ceiling insulation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your rental property's energy efficiency year-round, thereby reducing its heating/cooling bills and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions.  Retrofitting an existing uninsulated rental property reduces the heat flow into and out of the building and is one of the most important things you can do to make it warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

 This will be of particular benefit to low income households facing potentially large power bills to heat uninsulated rental properties.

If you are eligible for a rebate the Hobart City Council will assist you with the cost of purchasing and installing ceiling insulation into your rental property/ies.

The rebate and who qualifies?

Under the Insulation Rebate Scheme, a one-off rate rebate of 30% the total cost (inc. GST) of the installed insulation - up to a maximum of $300 - will be provided to landlords installing eligible ceiling insulation into an uninsulated or poorly insultated rental property built prior to 1991.

You are eligible for a rebate if:

  1. you are the landlord of the property and the ceiling insulation is installed in an existing rental property. The rebate will not be provided for owner occupiers, new residential dwellings or for additions to residential dwellings.
  2. the ceiling has never been insulated.
  3. the installation is completed by a recognised installer with the required training.
  4. the property is in the Hobart Municipality and was built before 1991. (Building regulations required residential dwellings built after 1991 to have ceiling insulation installed during construction.)
  5. the ceiling insulation you install has a measured year-round R Value of 4.0 or higher. (Note:  R values rate the performance of the insulation material referring to its thickness and ability to insulate, with higher values offering greater insulation.  The Building Code for Tasmania recommends a minimum R4.0 value in ceilings.  Your supplier can advise which types of insulation will meet the R4.0 or greater requirement).

Please note that the rebate is only for landlords and combined with the Australian Government rebate of $1000 will offer an incentive for landlords to install insulation in their rental properties, which has been lacking.  This will be of particular benefit to low income households facing potentially large power bills heating uninsulated rental properties. 

Onwer occupiers do not qualify for this rebate and are already entitled to a $1,600 Australian Government rebate to insulate their homes by meeting the eligibility requirements the Home Owner Insulation Program.

Do I require any council permits?

No.

Duration of the scheme

The Rebate Scheme began on 3rd February 2009 and will continued until 3rd February 2010.

The rebate application process

1. Consult a recognised installer for advice concerning your needs, and Council if you're unsure of any requirements or conditions (see ‘Terms and Conditions’).

2. Purchase and install the product (don't forget that your recognised installer must sign the application form to be eligible for the rebate) keeping receipts and manufacturer's certificate and specifications of the insulation.

3. Complete the application form and forward to Council either in person at the Council Centre or by mail to:

Insulation Rebate

Hobart City Council

GPO BOX 503 Hobart 7001

pdf document Insulation Rebate Application Form

4. Don't forget to include your receipts and any other documentation required (see ‘Terms and Conditions’).

5. Await Council notification of application success (usually about 2 weeks).

Terms and Conditions

Both general and specific conditions apply. Rebates may be claimed, subject to meeting the following conditions:

  1. You are the landlord of the property and the ceiling insulation is installed in an existing rental property. The rebate will not be provided for owner occupiers, new residential dwellings or for additions to residential dwellings.
  2. The ceiling has never been insulated.
  3. All properties for which owners are seeking rebates must be located within the City of Hobart.
  4. The dwelling in which the ceiling insulation is to be installed must have been built before 1991. (Building regulations require residential dwellings built after 1991 to have ceiling insulation installed during construction.)
  5. The ceiling insulation you install has a measured year-round R Value of 4.0 or higher. (Note:  R values rate the performance of the insulation material referring to its thickness and ability to insulate, with higher values offering greater insulation.  Your supplier can advise which types of insulation will meet the R4.0 requirement).
  6. The installation must be completed by a recognised installer with the required training.
  7. In order to claim the insulation rebate, the applicant must be the owner-landlord of the property where the insulation was installed/works performed, provide receipt for purchase of insulation and receipt for any installation works, and supply correct and complete information on the application form.
  8. All receipts presented as proof of purchase and installation of insulation must be official cash register receipts and include information on the place and date of purchase.  The receipt must include information indicating the R value of the insulation material.
  9. The Rebate Scheme began on 3rd February 2009 and will be continued until 3rd February 2010. Please note that you are only eligible for a rebate for insulation purchased and installed on the property within this period.
  10. Any rebate granted will be deducted from the total owing on the property owner's rates notice after the application has been assessed.
  11. Council will endeavour to process all applications within a two week period wherever possible.
  12. Elements of the rebate program are subject to change without notice.
  13. Council accepts no liability for any losses or damages resulting from the installation or use of the insulation for which the property owner has received rebates.
  14. The applicant agrees to indemnify Council with respect to any dissatisfaction or damage arising from the use of purchased insulation for which an insulation rebate is being sought.

How do I recieve the rebate?

The rebate will be deducted from the next rates instalment notice after an application has been lodged, assessed and approved.  More information can be found on Council's website at www.hobartcity.com.au or by contacting Council on 6238 2715.