I think it’s not just a Canberra issue but a nationwide issue! How can you charge someone to live where and be at home with a house that is not habitable comfortably? How is it appropriate to let houses reach 35°c+? We have so many people who have to suffer because landlords aren’t forced to have higher standards… many vulnerable people could die and do but nothing is being done.


Raise the minimum standard or lower the damn rental prices!

Healthy homes make for healthy tenants. Unhealthy structures lead to unhealthy residents. Tenants that drop dead from heat stroke because ‘the rental’ doesn’t have air conditioning might lead to short term financial strain on lessors until they get the next body in to cover their retirement incomes, but more so longer term strain on Medicare/health insurance/tenants’ employers/tenant’s families and friends. If anything, a decent air con adds value to a property ahead of the lessors next refinance valuation. Resale value is far greater than a property without. A decent refrigerative air conditioner is an all-rounder for climate control AND air filtration which in turn helps protect soft furnishings/carpets etc (plus people) from outside air pollution like dust and bushfire smoke. They are an investment and insurance policy, on so many levels.

For a more sustainable and healthier future

Not only Canberra but australia wide! Every home needs airconditioning and heating npt only fir comfort but for health reasons!

We lived in a home without heating or cooling or decent insulation for 17 years and I found that on hot days the family were more grumpy and irritable with each other. Our landlords were completely unresponsive to requests for aircon or ceiling fans. After the hottest summer ever last season, we finally moved to a house that is liveable in summer and has heating for winter.