Greens turn up the heat on dodgy rentals
Greens MLC Robert Simms will today try to push along a bill for minimum rental standards, including mandating flyscreens, draught-proofing and fines of up to $25,000 for non-compliant landlords.
The Bill, which Simms introduced in August last year, would introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for renters and have penalties of up to $25,000 for landlords who don’t comply with providing adequate cooling and heating in rental properties.
Today, Simms will move to refer the Bill to a parliamentary committee where stakeholders can give feedback to inform how the bill might work in practice, with the goal of having recommendations to implement that will reduce energy bills ahead of next year’s state election.
Simms told InDaily the record low rental vacancy rate makes it difficult for renters to assert their rights.
A report released today by Believe Housing Australia says SA is a “landlords’ market” with March 2025’s rental vacancy rate being a “stubbornly low 0.6 per cent” that is disproportionately disadvantaging low-income earners.
“South Australian renters shouldn’t be treated like second-class citizens,” Simms said.
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“While rent prices have continued to skyrocket, many renters have been struggling with hot homes and soaring power bills over the summer months.
“I’ve heard some real horror stories from renters who are forced to live in housing that is substandard at best.”
The Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Amendment Bill would require landlords to provide an efficient heater and cooler that is fixed and in good working order, and to disclose a home’s energy efficiency to potential tenants.
The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which resolves housing disputes, would be given new powers to penalise landlords for non-compliance, with fines up to $25,000.
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Other rental requirements under the bill include fly screens on external windows and draught-proofing requirements for chimney seals, window seals, door weather seals, exhaust fan seals, and wall vent seals in rentals.
The changes would also require South Australian rental properties to comply with the minimum insulation levels specified in the National Construction Code.
South Australian Council of Social Service, Better Renting and Uniting Communities support the bill going to committee, saying it’s a “crucial opportunity” for sector stakeholders to discuss improving rental homes’ energy performance.
In January, 120 organisations called on the Federal Government to support renters and landlords with energy upgrades, including providing funding and support to states and territories to implement bills like this one.
The South Australian signatories included SA Power Networks, Anti-Poverty Network SA, Shelter SA and Uniting Country SA.
Simms said introducing energy efficiency minimum standards is “the least the major parties can do for SA renters”.
“We’ve just gone through a scorching summer and winter is just around the corner. Renters should be able to expect basic amenities like fly screens and heating and cooling systems actually work all year round,” Simms said.
“These things are vital for health and wellbeing and they are essential for reducing energy bills too.”
The legislative council will vote on whether the bill should progress to a committee this afternoon.
“It’s my hope that any committee will be wrapped up within a few months, to ensure time for the parliament to take action before the state election,” Simms said.
