Energy-Efficient Heating for Victorian Rental Properties #

Victorian rental properties must have a fixed heater (not portable) in good working order located in the main living area.

For rental agreements that began on or after 29 March 2023, the heater must also be energy efficient. If an existing fixed heater does not meet the required energy efficiency standard, it generally needs to be upgraded before the property is leased under the applicable requirements.

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What is an Energy-Efficient Fixed Heater? #

An energy-efficient fixed heater is permanently installed and is designed to efficiently heat the main living area.

Examples include:

• Reverse-cycle air conditioner (heat pump) with an appropriate energy rating
• Gas space heater with a minimum 2-star energy rating
• Ducted heating system
• Hydronic heating system with an outlet in the main living area
• Domestic solid fuel heater (such as an approved wood heater)

Portable electric heaters and portable gas heaters do not satisfy the minimum rental heating standard.

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Why Do These Standards Exist? #

Energy-efficient heating standards help to:

• Improve tenant comfort during colder months.
• Reduce household energy consumption.
• Lower running costs.
• Improve the overall quality of rental housing.
• Support safer and more sustainable homes.

These standards form part of Victoria’s minimum rental requirements.

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What Do We Check During a Rental Minimum Standards Inspection? #

During a Rental Minimum Standards Inspection, our inspectors may verify:

• A fixed heater is installed.
• The heater is located in the main living area.
• The heater appears to be in good working order.
• The heater type appears consistent with current minimum standard requirements.
• Any obvious defects or damage are identified.

Where concerns are identified, recommendations will be included in the inspection report.

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Common Heating Issues We Find #

Our inspectors regularly identify:

• No fixed heater installed.
• Portable heaters being used instead of a permanent heater.
• Older heaters that may not satisfy current minimum standards.
• Damaged heating units.
• Heaters that do not operate correctly.
• Missing heating in the primary living area.

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Upcoming Energy Efficiency Changes #

Victoria is introducing additional minimum energy efficiency standards from 1 March 2027.

For heating, if an existing fixed heating system fails and cannot be repaired, it will generally need to be replaced with an eligible energy-efficient electric heating system, such as a qualifying reverse-cycle air conditioner or electric ducted heat pump system. Existing compliant heaters do not need to be replaced while they remain functional.

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Frequently Asked Questions #

Can I use a portable heater? #

No. Portable heaters do not meet Victoria’s minimum rental heating standard.

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Does every rental property need a fixed heater? #

Yes. The main living area must have a fixed heater in good working order that meets the applicable minimum standards.

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Does an old gas heater automatically fail? #

Not necessarily. Whether it complies depends on factors including its energy rating, condition and the applicable rental requirements.

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Will every gas heater need replacing? #

No. Under current Victorian reforms, a functioning compliant heater does not need immediate replacement. From 1 March 2027, replacement with an eligible energy-efficient electric system is generally required when an existing fixed heating system fails beyond repair.

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Need a Rental Minimum Standards Inspection? #

Rental Safety Inspections provides Rental Minimum Standards Inspections throughout Victoria.

Our experienced inspectors assess rental properties against the applicable Victorian minimum standards and provide detailed reports to assist landlords, property managers and real estate agencies.

Contact Rental Safety Inspections today to book your inspection.