Renew joins the call for a better deal for renters

120 civil society groups, renter  advocates and industry leaders have come together ahead of the upcoming federal election to call for urgent action on improving the quality, affordability, and energy efficiency of rental homes.

In recognition of mounting cost of living pressures alongside climate-related risks, Renew has joined the Healthy Homes for Renters collaboration in urging the Federal Government to provide funding and support to States and Territories to implement mandatory minimum energy performance standards in rental homes.Home energy costs are driving a new and widening gap between homeowners and renters (who make up 30% of households and growing).

Owner-occupiers can install solar panels, efficient appliances and thermal upgrades to avoid high energy bills.

 Unfortunately, renters have no choice or control over whether the property they live in has insulation, draught-sealed windows and doors, curtains and safe efficient electric appliances, let alone other energy bill-saving measures like efficient electric air conditioning and heating, solar and batteries. It’s in the hands of landlords. 

The joint statement outlines key measures the Federal Government should take to help renters, and landlords, and cut climate change emissions. Examples of measures in the statement include:

• Establishing one-stop-shops to help landlords implement home energy upgrades, through access to advice, finance options, and tradespeople.
• Conditional and targeted funding and financing options could be offered to assist landlords in meeting new energy performance standards, coupled with stronger protections for renters, ensuring landlords cannot pass upgrade costs onto tenants through excessive rent increases.
• Mandatory energy performance disclosure, so renters know the efficiency of a home before they sign a lease.
• Support for workforce development to expand the capacity of trades and suppliers needed to implement upgrades.

The statement has received backing from a wide range of organisations and people, including tenant advocacy groups, community legal centres, social services organisations, environmental groups, and the real estate industry. A briefing note with more detail is available here.