Heat kills more people in Australia than any other climate disaster, and renters are at even greater risk than most: they have little control over the features and major appliances in their homes, are often under financial strain, and have to weigh the potential of an eviction or rent increase against calling attention to maintenance issues.

We've found in past research efforts that many rental homes are dangerously hot in summer, both chronically and during heatwave events, with indoor temperatures regularly exceeding levels considered safe, comfortable, or healthy.

With generous funding from the City of Sydney, we tracked the temperatures in 50 NSW renters' homes over the course of the 2025-2026 summer season to see if that's still the case.

We found that NSW renters are still dealing with indoor temperatures that climb above 40°C, impacting their sleep, health, social lives, emotional wellbeing, and sense of security in their homes. The situation is not tenable. Renters are being pushed to the limits of what they can bear.

We compiled our findings into our report, Boiling Point, which can be read at the link or below.