Three-quarters of NSW landlords either support or do not oppose the introduction of new standards to help ensure renters can heat and cool their homes efficiently, new Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) data released today shows.
ECA’s survey of 500 landlords across the state, conducted by SEC Newgate, shows that more than half (51%) back the introduction of minimum energy efficiency rental standards (MEERS), with only 24% expressing opposition to the idea.
The NSW Government is currently considering whether to introduce the standards, which recent ECA data shows would help save renters hundreds of dollars a year on energy bills if implemented.
“Our research has found that a majority of landlords support sensible minimum energy rental standards to help renters live comfortably in their houses,” ECA Manager, Consumer Advocacy Justin Whelan said.
“Most landlords want to do the right thing by their tenants. They understand that minimum standards provide an even playing field for all landlords, setting a common expectation that ensures renters are able to live in safe, affordable and healthier homes. More than 80% of landlords we surveyed agreed that minimum energy efficiency standards would have a positive impact on the comfort of their tenants.
“The main concern expressed by landlords in the survey was managing the additional up-front costs of any necessary upgrades to their properties. The good news is the NSW Government recently announced a new Home Energy Saver Program, offering 0% interest loans to pay for energy upgrades.
“Landlords who need financial support to meet these standards would be able to access these loans, addressing the reasonable concerns many expressed in our survey about managing up-front costs.”
ECA’s recent Consumer Energy Report Card shows almost 70% of NSW renters avoid heating and cooling their homes to save money. Renters are also more than twice as likely as homeowners to report being unable to pay their energy bills on time due to financial difficulties.
ECA is calling on the NSW Government to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for all rental properties, which would help ensure renters can be comfortably cool in summer and warm in winter while still paying reasonable energy bills.
“Minimum energy efficiency rental standards would make a massive difference to renters in New South Wales, bringing much-needed cost of living relief while also improving wellbeing and reducing costs on the health system,” Mr Whelan said.
“Every family deserves to live in a healthy, comfortable home they can afford to heat in winter and cool in summer – no matter what their circumstances are. That’s why we support minimum energy efficiency standards, with a clear implementation pathway and appropriate support for landlords.
“We urge the NSW Government to seize this opportunity to deliver real relief on health and the cost of living for the millions of renters in the state.”
For interview requests or more information, contact Stuart Turner on 0415 403 208
Notes to editors:
The survey of a representative sample of 500 landlords based in NSW with an investment property located in NSW was undertaken by SEC Newgate for ECA. Participants were sourced from an ISO-accredited online market research panel, with fieldwork conducted over the 28th May – 5th June 2026.
According to the 2021 Census, there are over 950,000 renting households in New South Wales – 32.6% of NSW households. The 2026 Census data is expected to bring this number well over 1 million households and 3 million people.
- ECA’s latest Consumer Energy Report Card shows that 68% of NSW renters went without heating or cooling in the past year to save money, compared with 57% of owner-occupiers.
- Only 21% of renters say they were able to keep their home comfortably warm through the past winter, compared with about 40% 2 in 5 of owner-occupiers.
- Victorian MEERS have been legislated and take effect from 1 March 2027. ACT has had
insulation-only MEERS since 2023 and recently began consulting on additional standards for efficient electric appliances. - The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Department of Fair Trading are jointly investigating the proposal following a public consultation process in May, and says its investigation is due for completion in late 2026. More information
About Energy Consumers Australia
Energy Consumers Australia is the independent, national voice for residential and small business energy consumers. We enable residential and small business energy consumers to have their voices heard.
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