Energy Efficiency Standards for Rentals

What were the living conditions like where you were living prior to moving to your current rental?

Apartment on 3^rd floor Geelong CBD.

• Windows: all windows in apartment (excluding 1) could not be fully closed: Either jammed open, damaged window frames or missing glass in pane.
• Water damage to one side of the building – My bedroom: black mould travelling full height of the wall and onto ceiling, wooden structures swollen due to water absorption, paint and wall crumbling including cracks along ceiling (water dripping).
• Mould on walls/ceiling in personal bedroom, on all window frames in apartment (excluding 1) and covering ceiling of bathroom.

Apartment was always very cold as hot air from heaters would escape out the windows. It was very expensive keeping the place warm.

 

Did your previous rental have adequate ways of heating and cooling the rooms?

An air conditioning unit (heat and cooling) was installed in the living room but was rarely used as the heat would quickly escape out the windows.  No fans installed in the property.

 

Were there any health concerns related to the living conditions of your previous rental?

The mould was a huge concern for everyone but especially me having the worst in my bedroom. Room quickly became unliveable due to strong mould odour. The wall crumbling / wood swelling also didn’t feel safe.

 

Were there any obstacles in having the real estate agent or landlord fix any existing issues?

The Landlord was not willing to fix the issues due to the higher cost of repairing a heritage building. No repairs have been done to date (8 months later).

 

When sourcing a new rental, was there anything in particular that you were looking for in terms of health related and thermal efficiency features?

Having windows that shut, no mould and that the property’s structural integrity was preserved.

 

Did the 7 Star Scorecard rating give you confidence in applying for your current rental?

Physically inspecting the property gave me the most confidence.

 

Have you noticed a difference in the comfort levels and health benefits between your previous rentals and your current 7 Star Scorecard rental?

It’s night and day. My current rental can maintain a comfortable temperature and I have no health concerns living here. It is insulated and has been well maintained. It is also a huge comfort having a landlord who cares about the property and who I feel is very approachable.

 

Do you feel mandatory disclosure of minimum thermal efficiency standards should be introduced for rentals? 

They should be mandatory as I imagine it would encourage landlords to ensure their rentals are comfortable and safe to live in and don’t cost a fortune to heat/cool. Tenants would be more likely to select a suitable rental if they are informed of the thermal energy efficiency standard.