The REIV raised a number of issues in a submission to the Victorian Government to consider as it sets it budget for 2008-2009.
Amongst the ideas is one to help improve the sustainability of rental homes.
The state government has taken a position of leadership on improving the sustainability of our homes, firstly by requiring new homes to meet a high standard and secondly by requiring that extensions meet a high standard.
A number of real estate agencies have also taken the step of using environmental checklists to ensure that rental properties have basic measures such as AAA showerheads and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
The federal government has also promised $150 million to the Low Emission Plan for Renters, which will reduce the power bills and greenhouse gas emissions of 300,000 rental properties by providing a rebate of up to $500 to help landlords install energy efficient insulation in 300,000 Australian rental homes.
The federal government plan recognises that because renters are not able to make changes to the fittings or fixtures of a home it is necessary to intervene to ensure that they don’t miss out on the benefits of a more sustainable home. There would also be a benefit to the wider community, through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
For that reason the REIV believes that the state government should use funds from the Victorian Property Fund to add to this and increase the number of rental homes that have energy efficient insulation installed or a range of other simple sustainability measurers put in place.
By adding to the federal government’s commitment the state government could ensure that more homes could be reached.
Enzo Raimondo
CEO REIV
