A new renters advocacy organisation in the ACT is calling for minimum rental standards as new laws come into effect in the UK requiring rental properties to meet minimum energy efficiency standards.

From 1 April, UK rental properties will be required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard of ‘E’. Properties rated ‘F’ or ‘G’ must be upgrade before a lease can be renewed or a new lease granted.

Canberra-based renting rights start-up Better Renting has called for similar steps in the ACT.

“Inefficient rental properties are costing renters more and putting their health at risk,” said Better Renting founder, Joel Dignam. “ACT renters deserve minimum energy efficiency standards to guarantee that their homes won’t make them sick or leave them with unaffordable power bills.”

“This is also an opportunity to reduce climate pollution and contribute towards meeting the ACT’s climate targets.”

Better Renting is running a petition in support of minimum energy efficiency standards at www.betterrenting.org.au/comfy_homes

ENDS