Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - codes or laws

I'm a renter of a duplex in the Tx. area and was wondering if there were any codes or laws governing requirements relating to insulation?? Are you required to have insulation or how much is needed. How do I get my landlord to put more insulation in if needed? My utilities are sky high. I know viewing the attic that there isn't very much insulation if any up there. Any comments or ideas of how to resolve this problem would be appreciated. Thanks

You bet there are codes that apply. Thing is, they can only require whatever code was in force at the time the structure was built. So if the duplex was built in, say, 1965, and the code at that time only required R-11 (3-1/2") of attic insulation, they can't require that your landlord upgrade it to, say, R-19 or R-25 that may be required in new construction in that area today. So you need to find out when the duplex was built. Your local bldg. dept. should be able to tell you how much insulation was required when the duplex was built.

Lefty is correct, but a word of caution. You may want to just upgrade the insulation yourself. It is not expensive, and not to bad a job. If you make your landloard do it, he will do it, and you may be looking for a new place to live.

Thanks for your response, I did think of the fact if they do do the upgrades rent could go up or I could be looking for a new living situation. Thanks