A new minimum standard for energy efficiency is to be introduced for rental properties in the ACT to improve the wellbeing of Canberra renters and help reduce their cost of living.
Announced by the Minister for Climate Action, Andrew Barr, the new regulation is to require rental homes with no ceiling insulation or existing insulation rated below a certain level to have insulation installed or upgraded to the level typically used in new buildings.
Mr Barr said the regulations would begin in April and have a phase-in period to 30 November 2026.
“During the phase in period, rental providers will be required to meet the standard within nine months of a new lease being signed for the property,” Mr Barr said.
“From 1 December 2026 properties will need to comply, or be in the process of complying, regardless of whether a new lease has been signed, and new properties entering the rental market will have three months to comply with the standard,” he said.
“From 1 April 2023 it will also be mandatory for rental providers to include details on whether their property is compliant with the minimum standard in all rental advertisements and in new residential tenancy agreements.”
To support landlords in meeting the standard, Mr Barr said the Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme would be expanded to make insulation an eligible product.
He said this meant eligible landlords would be able to access zero interest loan of up to $15,000 to cover the cost of installing insulation.
“We know that upgrades like these can be costly which is why we have programs such as the Sustainable Household Scheme in place to help reduce those costs,” the Minister said.
“Getting landlords on board is another big step towards ensuring all Canberrans benefit from a zero emissions future for the ACT.”
