Energy Efficiency - Tenants need to know too!
21 November 2007
Energy Efficiency - Tenants need to know too!
Deb Foskey, Greens MLA, today introduced the Residential Tenancies (Energy Efficiency Rating) Amendment Bill 2007 Bill to the Legislative Assembly. The Bill requires landlords to inform prospective renters of the energy efficiency rating (EER) of their rental houses.
�In 1999 the Assembly passed legislation requiring that advertisements for leases include an EER where they are available. This has proved ineffective and an amendment is needed,� Dr Foskey said today.
�A study released by Energy Partners confirms that compliance with this provision is exceptionally poor. Only 13.1% of lease advertisements last quarter disclosed an EER, although an estimated 47.2% of ACT rental properties have been rated.�
�Given these poor results I have introduced this Bill to the Assembly to amend the legislation to ensure that tenants are informed of how energy efficient their prospective rental home is. If passed, my Bill will make it compulsory for all advertisements for properties available for lease to contain EERs.�
�If prospective purchasers have the right to be told the EER of a house, the same ought to apply to prospective tenants. In fact, I would argue that it is more important for tenants to know the energy efficiency of their rental home as they are not in a position to make alterations to the house to make it is more efficient.�
�As a community we must take serious action on climate change. A first, and necessary step is to ensure that our homes are energy efficient.�
�Hopefully these measures will encourage landlords to implement some practical initiatives before they lease their properties to ensure that they are as efficient as possible,� said Deb Foskey.
