As the sun sets on another sweltering summer day, Madeline Cooper prepares for a restless night in her Melbourne home. With a routine that includes a cool shower, strategically placed fans, and dampened sheets, she attempts to fend off the oppressive heat that invades her bedroom, often reaching a stifling 32 degrees. On the worst nights, her only respite is to decamp to the living room, where the air conditioning offers a solitary oasis of cool.
Madeline’s struggle is emblematic of a broader issue plaguing renters in the country: the lack of adequate climate control in rental properties.
While homeowners can invest in improvements to make their abodes more comfortable, renters like Madeline are at the mercy of their landlords. And despite her fortunate access to an air conditioning unit—secured only after months of negotiation—she knows all too well the fear that speaking up about subpar living conditions could lead to a rent hike.
This is not just a summer problem. In winter, Madeline’s old weatherboard cottage becomes an icebox, with indoor temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling eight degrees. It’s a stark reminder that the issue of climate control in rentals is a year-round battle for comfort and health.
The plight of renters like Madeline has sparked a nationwide call to action, with over 100 renter advocates and industry leaders uniting under the banner of the Healthy Homes for Renters campaign. Their goal is to urge the federal government to improve the quality, affordability, and energy efficiency of rental homes, particularly as the federal election looms on the horizon.
The campaign advocates for mandatory minimum energy performance standards in rentals across all states and territories, a move that could alleviate the extreme temperatures many renters endure.
Joel Dignam, executive director of the charity Better Renting, highlights the urgency of the situation: ‘Too many renters are in substandard housing that is too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and too expensive to keep at a healthy and comfortable temperature.’
The issue is not only one of comfort but also of health and financial strain. The World Health Organisation has identified heat stress as the leading cause of weather-related deaths, with the potential to worsen conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health issues, and asthma.
Moreover, the rising cost of living exacerbates the financial burden on tenants, who often face exorbitant energy bills in their attempts to maintain a livable environment.
Currently, only Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory have implemented minimum rental standards related to energy performance. This patchwork of regulations leaves many renters unprotected and underscores the need for a unified national approach.
Leo Patterson-Ross, the boss of the Tenants Union of New South Wales, emphasises the importance of a fair and inclusive process for improving existing properties, saying, ‘We want to ensure the process of improving existing properties is smooth and fair—leaving no one out just because of where they live or who their landlord happens to be.’
As the campaign gains momentum, renters across the country are raising their voices, demanding change, and sharing their stories. They seek not just a roof over their heads but a home that offers sanctuary from the extremes of the Australian climate.
We encourage our readers to join the conversation and share their experiences with rental properties. Have you faced similar challenges with climate control in your rental home? What changes would you like to see to ensure healthier, more energy-efficient living spaces for all renters? Your stories and insights are valuable to the YourLifeChoices community.
Also read: This proposal could save renters up to $2,600 over 10 years!
