Heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest environmental disaster and kill more people than all other environmental disasters combined. Renters are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat and are facing higher energy costs and indoor temperatures that make them and their families sick.  

Currently, rental homes must legally have heating for winter, but these same rules don’t apply to cooling, but this consultation process is our chance to change that.

Sweltering Cities is making a submission to the Victorian Government's consultation on Minimum Standards for Rental Properties, and we need to hear from you about what we should include.

As part of this process, we are collecting comments and stories from renters to include in our submission. We will also be including the following asks to the Victorian Government:

• Ensure that all Victorian rental homes have air-conditioning or ceiling fans

• Introduce an insulation standard that helps renters passively cool their homes

• Classify existing minimum standards such as curtains, blinds, screen doors, windows, and ventilation under a ‘for thermal comfort’ provision'

What should I include in my comment?

Your comment can be as short or as long as you like!

- You can explain which practical cooling solutions (such as screen doors, curtains, air-conditioning blinds, or fans) you think should be mandatory in rental properties. How would these changes improve your health, comfort and reduce your energy costs during hot summers?

- Share any specific examples or personal experiences that highlight the difference these changes could make to you, or your friends, family or people you know that rent.

Renters have the solutions to ensure that safe homes become a reality for all renters. Now, we need the Victorian government to listen to renters when they say that simple changes to our rental rules will save lives and ensure that their homes keep them safe, not make them sick.