Rental homes get too cold in winter

Better Renting is calling for the federal and state governments to implement minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes, after a recent study found that renters are spending winter living in temperatures below the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommendations.

The study analysed several rental homes across the states and territories for seven weeks and found that most homes were routinely below safe temperature levels.

According to WHO, 18 degrees Celsius is the proposed safe and well-balanced indoor temperature.

The study, however, found that most rental homes in Australia had indoor temperatures below the WHO standard for 18 hours a day during winter. 

Here are some state-by-state findings from the study:

• NSW – The state had the highest average humidity of any jurisdiction. This could explain the ongoing mould problems in many rental homes.
• VIC – Renters in Victoria spend $6 to $10 daily on energy for a home that oscillates from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, homeowners spend $2 a day on energy for their homes which are typically around 17-20 degrees Celsius.
• TAS – The state recorded the highest proportion of time that rental homes spent below 18 degrees Celsius at over 21 hours per day below the WHO recommendations.
• ACT — Rental homes in the ACT had the lowest average minimum temperature of any jurisdiction. Indoor temperature of rental homes stay below the WHO recommendations for around 21 hours a day.
• SA – The state had the second-highest relative humidity, which is surprising given its relative warmth.
• NT – Results differ across the territory — while Darwin had healthy temperatures and humidity, Alice Springs recorded higher instance of indoor temperature below the WHO standards.

Better Renting executive director Joel Dignam said the findings of the study show there is an urgent need to address the health risks from substandard rental properties.

“When we analysed some efficient owner-occupier homes in Sydney, we found that they had higher average temperatures and lower humidity, making them much better to live in. This shows what renters are being locked out of, but also the potential for improvement.”

Mr Dignam said cold temperatures have been linked with higher blood pressure, reduced immunity, asthma, and greater incidence of mental illness.

“Draughty, uninsulated rental homes force temperatures down and power bills up; renters told us about getting sick more often, about a constant state of worry over energy costs, and an unending battle against mould and damp,” he said.

“The good news is we can do better — governments are currently working on a framework for minimum rental requirements, and this could be a pivotal first step in helping to make these rental homes fit to live in during winter.”

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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels.