As a landlord, any improvement you can make to the energy efficiency of your rental property will improve its appeal to prospective tenants. Improving the home’s health, safety and comfort for your tenants will make them more content and stable. Switching out gas appliances for efficient reverse-cycle air-conditioners, hot water heat pumps and induction cooktops will future-proof your property as gas is phased out across the city and the country.
Many tenants are keen to electrify for their own cost-savings and comfort and also to do their bit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they need your help.
Landlords are eligible for the ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme, a zero-interest loan of up to $15,000 to help with the purchase and installation costs for electrification.
Collaborate with your tenants and property manager (if applicable) to plan the upgrades over a timeline that works for all of you. Use the calculator and other resources in this website to explore your options.
Top tips for landlords
- Replace gas hot water with a hot-water heat-pump.
- Replace gas heating with reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
- Replace gas cooktop and oven with an induction cooktop and electric oven.
- Abolish the gas meter and pipes to prevent gas leaks.
- Upgrade ceiling insulation: as a minimum, comply with the ACT’s new energy efficiency standard for rental properties, or preferably upgrade to R5 to match the standard for new homes.
- Install good quality blockout blinds or curtains on all windows.
- Fix draughts around windows, doors and wall vents.
- Install rooftop solar panels and battery.
- Install a fast-charger for an electric vehicle.
- Consider other upgrades such as replacing 3mm windows with double-glazing, adding insulation in walls and under floors, planting shade trees, installing windows in north-facing walls, adding awnings over west-facing windows.
