Energy Consumers Australia strongly supports the Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Amendment Bill 2024 as a critical step towards ensuring rental homes in South Australia are healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable.
Renters are more likely to live in cold, damp, and inefficient homes, while having the least ability to make improvements. Minimum energy efficiency standards are an essential reform to address this imbalance and ensure renters aren't left behind in the energy transition.
This Bill offers a clear opportunity to reduce energy bills, support better health outcomes, and drive more equitable climate action. It also brings South Australia in line with other jurisdictions progressing similar reforms on minimum standards.
Our submission outlines three key recommendations:
- Introduce mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards for all rental properties
- Align the minimum standards with fully electric homes
- The minimum energy efficiency standards should use performance-based standards as soon as practicable
We welcome this reform as a foundation for ongoing improvements that ensure all South Australian rental homes are safe, efficient, and future-ready.
