The Victorian Government is helping make rental properties more comfortable, safer and healthier by supporting rental providers to upgrade inefficient heating and cooling systems.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced that rental properties are now eligible for a $1000 rebate to replace old inefficient wood and gas heaters as part of the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program.

This eligibility expansion means even more low-income and vulnerable Victorian households can access the $335 million Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program rebate to make their homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Around 29 per cent of Victorians rent their homes, and research shows around 78 per cent have an income under $90,000. We also know around 45 per cent of this cohort struggle to pay their energy bills.  This rebate could help renters save up to $300 on their power bills.

With new regulations requiring energy-efficient heating in all rental properties from March this year, Tim Pallas said the rebate supported rental providers to install the most effective and efficient system for the home.

To ensure as many renters benefit from these upgrades as soon as possible, rental providers can apply for two rebates each financial year, with one rebate available per property.

Rental properties owned by entities such as corporations, trusts and partnerships are eligible, along with individual rental providers.

To be eligible for the rebate the rental property must be:

• earning $500 or less in weekly rent, or
• occupied by renters holding a valid concession card or with a combined household income below $90,000, or
• unoccupied with a potential to earn $500 or less in weekly rent.

A further $200 rebate is available to cap old gas heaters, along with $500 to upgrade an electrical switchboard, if needed.

More information, including eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply, is available at heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“This is great news for renters and rental providers, helping create more comfortable, safer homes for vulnerable Victorians.

“It will also support rental providers to meet new minimum standards for rental properties, so they can install the most energy efficient system possible and reduce emissions.

“The HHCU program also supports jobs for skilled trades people across the state and independent businesses, including in Werribee.”