Joint media release

Proposed new minimum energy efficiency rental home standards welcomed

Leading community service and advocacy groups have welcomed a new proposal for minimum energy efficiency standards in rental homes.

The Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Tenancy Bill was introduced into Parliament today by the Greens’ Robert Simms MLC. This Bill contains comprehensive provisions that include:

• minimum requirements for heating and cooling in homes;
• minimum requirements for insulation, draught proofing, and ventilation; and
• minimum water efficiency requirements for appliances, fixtures, and fittings.

It also would require landlords to disclose to renters whether or not the property complies with these minimum requirements, and the efficiency of appliances within the home.

These are all changes that SACOSS and other organisations have consistently called for over many years. And it is clear that this Bill incorporates feedback provided by SACOSS and prominent rental advocacy group Better Renting, along with community service provider Uniting Communities.

SACOSS notes that the most recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 by the Malinauskas Government did finally establish some minimum energy efficiency standards. However, these are limited to the efficiency ratings of appliances at the point of replacement and do not address other issues such as the thermal efficiency of the home, or even a requirement for basic heating and cooling facilities.

Quotes attributable to Dr Rebecca Tooher, Director of Policy and Advocacy, SACOSS

Inefficient homes drive up household energy costs, posing a significant challenge for low-income renters.

We are just coming out of a cold winter at the same time as being in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Renters on low incomes or in other vulnerable situations are already having to make tough decisions – they should not have to choose between keeping their rental property at a safe temperature or eating.

This Bill contains many measures we, and many other organisations, have been advocating for over many years. We welcomed the changes made with the government’s rental reforms last year, but we don’t think they go far enough to provide healthy homes for renters in South Australia.

At its heart, if adopted, this Bill would improve the quality of life of thousands of South Australians currently living in properties that are unsafe, unaffordable, and unhealthy. We are pleased to see our recommendations reflected in the drafting of this Bill.

Amongst other things, improving the energy efficiency of homes has been linked to reduced time in hospital, lower blood pressure, and fewer days off from work or school.

Healthier homes definitely mean healthier renters, and reduced strain on our struggling health system.

Quotes attributable to Bernadette Barrett, Deputy Director, Better Renting

Everyone should have a healthy home – a home that keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer. A home that provides the foundation for a good and prosperous life but for the one in three South Australians who are renting, this isn’t the case. We know rental homes have poorer energy performance and the impact that this has on the individuals and families who live in these homes is dire.

We have been working with renters in South Australia for a number of years and it has never been worse. We’re hearing from South Australian renters regularly about their forced choices between paying rent, energy costs, groceries or medication. The South Australian government has acknowledged how bad the cost of living crisis is and supporting this Bill is a clear and direct way to make things better for South Australians doing it tough.

Landlords aren’t required to take the basic steps to ensure the the properties they rent out are decent or healthy to live in and renters aren’t able to make the required changes themselves, nor should they have to. This Bill will establish basic standards, such as ceiling insulation, heating and cooling, to ensure that renters can live comfortably and safely in their homes which is what everyone should expect of their home.

Quotes attributable to Simon Schrapel, Chief Executive, Uniting Communities

A lack of minimum energy efficiency standards in rental homes across South Australia have led to homes that are too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

Chronically cold homes contribute to illnesses like asthma and cardiovascular conditions, especially for the most vulnerable people in our community. These homes also cost more to heat and cool, leading to negative environmental impacts and excessive energy bills that renters simply cannot afford in a cost-of-living crisis.

We need minimum energy efficiency standards in rental properties to ensure healthier, more sustainable, and affordable living conditions for South Australian renters.

The Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Tenancy Bill provides a positive step in strengthening basic rights for those renting in South Australia. The proposals outlined in the Bill are neither onerous or unreasonable and, with landlords benefitting from both increased property values and rents, these expectations are fair and timely.

This is not an attack on landlords but a rebalancing of the relationship that will help to ensure a basic set of standards in terms of the amenities a rental property must deliver for a tenant. It will go a long way in reducing the risks experienced by too many tenants who are living in substandard properties that do not protect the health of inhabitants.

Having an efficient heater and cooler and adequate insulation is not a big ask and should become the minimum requirement for all rental properties.

Uniting Communities looks forward to both a considered community and parliamentary debate about the merits of the Bill’s provisions to help lift the standards of South Australia’s rental properties.