The standard calls for an energy-efficient fixed cooling system, such as an air conditioner or heat pump, to be installed in the main living area. If it is unreasonable to install an energy-efficient system (see “What makes installation unreasonable?” below), a standard fixed cooler in good working order must be installed instead.

Certain conditions can make the installation of an energy-efficient fixed cooler unreasonable:
 

• High Installation Cost: If the installation cost is significantly above average.
• Existing Cooling System: If there is already a fixed cooler in good working order in the main living area.
• Owners Corporation Rules: If installation is restricted by owners corporation rules.
• Legal Compliance Costs: If other legal or local requirements make the installation prohibitively expensive.
• Ducted Evaporative Cooler: If there is an existing ducted evaporative cooler in good working order in the main living area.

No, the costs for electrical rectification work—such as upgrading a switchboard to accommodate additional load—are not included in the installation cost of a cooling system. This ensures that electrical compliance is addressed separately without affecting the cooling installation’s eligibility for meeting the standard.

For rental agreements or periodic agreements entered into between 30 October 2025 and 29 October 2027, rental providers must ensure that an energy-efficient fixed cooler is installed in the main living area. From 30 October 2027 onwards, all rental properties must meet this cooling standard unless installation is deemed unreasonable.

Rental properties must have ceiling insulation that:

• Has a minimum R-value of 5.0 to ensure thermal efficiency.
• Is installed after a licensed electrician has completed a safety checklist for the ceiling space and any necessary rectifications to address electrical hazards have been completed.
• Complies with relevant Australian standards (AS/NZS 4859.1 for thermal insulation materials, AS1530.1 for combustibility, and AS/NZS1530.3 for ignitability and other safety aspects).
• Is installed by a qualified installer following AS3999 standards.

Insulation must be installed in the entire ceiling area of the rental premises, with some exceptions:

• Areas that already contain insulation of any type or R-value.
• External areas such as garages, outbuildings, and alfresco spaces.
• Internal ceilings like those in multi-story or apartment buildings.
• Areas where installation would be unreasonable or unsafe.

Installation may be deemed unreasonable or unsafe in cases such as:

• High Installation Cost: If the installation cost is significantly higher than the average.
• Shared Roof Spaces: For example, if the roof cavity is managed by an owners corporation and is not entirely owned by the rental provider.
• Owners Corporation Restrictions: If installation is prohibited by owners corporation rules.
• Compliance Costs: If other legal or local laws make installation prohibitively expensive.
• Substantial Building Work Needed: If extensive work, like removing roofing material, is necessary to install the insulation (e.g., for skillion or very low-pitched roofs).
• Health and Safety Risks: If installation poses significant risks beyond typical insulation work.
• Heritage Properties: If the rental property is heritage-listed and a permit for modification is refused under the Heritage Act 2017.

No, any costs related to electrical safety work—such as replacing damaged or non-compliant cables in the ceiling space—are not included in the insulation installation cost. This ensures safety compliance is addressed separately from the insulation requirement.

The following draughtproofing measures are required in the rental property, excluding kitchen facilities (unless certain exceptions apply):

• External Doors: All external doors must be fitted with sealing or weather-stripping products that limit airflow around the entire door perimeter without hindering normal operation.
• Unsealed Wall Vents: Any unsealed wall vents must be covered with a non-shrinking, durable sealing material to close the vent.
• Gaps and Holes: Unreasonable gaps or holes around door and window frames, construction joints, skirting, floorboards, and any wall penetrations from services and appliances must be sealed using caulking or expandable sealing products.
• Installation: All sealing products must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In kitchen areas, the following measures are required unless specific exceptions apply:

• External Doors: All external doors in the kitchen must be fitted with weather-stripping or sealing to restrict airflow without impairing door functionality.
• Unsealed Wall Vents: Similar to other areas, unsealed wall vents must be covered with robust, non-shrinking sealing material.
• Gaps and Holes: Any unreasonable gaps or holes around frames, construction joints, skirting, floorboards, and wall penetrations from services or appliances must be sealed with caulking or expandable products.
• Installation: As in other areas, all products must be fitted according to manufacturer instructions.

A gap or hole is considered “unreasonable” if it:

• Has a significant size;
• Creates noticeable draughts; or
• Negatively impacts the renter's thermal comfort.

Yes, exceptions to the draughtproofing standard apply in the following cases:

For general areas:

1. If a flueless space heater or open-flued gas appliance is installed.
2. If the rental property is in a Class 2 building and owners corporation rules prohibit the installation of sealing or weather-stripping on external doors.
3. If the property is a registered heritage place, and a permit for alterations has been denied under the Heritage Act 2017.
4. If draughtproofing is deemed otherwise unreasonable.

For kitchen areas:

1. If a flueless space heater or open-flued gas appliance is installed.
2. If a flueless gas cooking appliance without a rangehood is installed in the kitchen.
3. If the rental property is in a Class 2 building with owners corporation restrictions on draughtproofing.
4. If the property is a registered heritage place with a denied permit for alterations under the Heritage Act 2017.
5. If draughtproofing the kitchen area is otherwise unreasonable.

The draughtproofing requirement applies to all residential rental agreements entered into on or after 30 October 2025. This includes any periodic rental agreements created on or after this date.

Corded internal window coverings must be installed to meet the following safety standards:

• Loose Cord Length: Any loose cord on the window covering must not form a loop of 220 mm or longer if the cord hangs lower than 1600 mm above the floor.
• Securing the Cord:

The cord must be secured with either:

1. A Cord Guide: Installed at least 1600 mm above the floor unless:

• It stays firmly attached to the wall or other structure even when pulled with a force of 70 Newtons for 10 seconds.
• The cord is tightly secured or tensioned to prevent any loops of 220 mm or longer.

2. A Cleat: Installed against a wall or structure at least 1600 mm above the floor.

• Safety Components: Install any specified components necessary to ensure the cord is secure and safe.

• Installation Instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to make sure the cord cannot form a hazardous loop, as described in the standard above.

The standard for corded internal window coverings applies to all rented premises starting from 30 October 2025.

An energy-efficient water heater that supplies hot water to the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities must be installed unless it is unreasonable to do so.

It may be unreasonable to install an energy-efficient water heater in the following situations:

• Cost: The installation cost is significantly higher than the average installation cost for a similar Class 1 or Class 2 building.

• Existing Water Heater: The property already has a water heater in good working order.

• Owners Corporation Rules: Installation is prohibited by owners corporation rules.

• Legal or Local Restrictions: Compliance with other laws or local regulations makes installation costs prohibitive.

• Centralised System: The property’s hot water is supplied by a centralised system.

• Temporary Heater: A temporary water heater is installed and used for no more than 60 days.

This standard applies to all rented premises beginning 30 October 2025.