Renters: What You Can Do Now 
You do not need to own your home to start cutting energy bills and making your space more comfortable. There are plenty of low-cost, reversible steps renters can take to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on gas.
Stay comfortable and save energy
Start by making your home more thermally efficient. Use rugs to cover cold floors, and layer your window coverings with blackout curtains or blinds. These simple changes help trap heat in winter and block it out in summer. You can also reduce draughts using foam or tissue paper strips around windows, door snakes, or removable gap fillers. In bathrooms or laundry rooms, you can even apply bubble wrap to windows for insulation without affecting privacy.
If you have an older home with vents or gaps between floorboards and skirting, check for airflow on a windy day. Lighting a candle and watching for flickers can help you find where cold air is coming in.
Switch to efficient electric heating and cooking
Many rental homes have gas heaters, stoves and hot water systems. But there are ways to work around them.
If your home has a split system or reverse cycle air conditioner, use it for heating. These systems are much more efficient than gas ducted heating, often costing around one third as much to run. If not, even a small plug-in electric heater will typically be cheaper and cleaner than turning on the ducted gas.
You can also reduce your gas use in the kitchen. Portable induction cooktops are a great alternative to using a gas stove. They are fast, safe and easy to store. Best of all, you can borrow one from Darebin Libraries to try it out at home before you decide to buy.
In the bathroom, consider getting a shower timer and a low flow shower head. A small heater for the bathroom might make short showers less unattractive. In the laundry consider using cold wash cycles.
Talk to your landlord
If you have already done what you can and want to go further, consider having a conversation with your landlord. Some may be open to improvements that lower your bills and increase the value of the property, like draught sealing or installing a split system. The Victorian Government also offers rebates and programs that landlords can access, especially for homes with concession card holders or in multi-dwelling developments. Be aware of the minimum rental standards before talking to your landlord or agent.
Demand change
Renters deserve homes that are safe, healthy and affordable to live in. One way to help make this a reality is to contact your local state member of parliament and ask them to support legislation that makes energy efficiency standards mandatory for rental properties. This would ensure rental homes are properly insulated and fitted with efficient appliances, linking rent prices to the comfort and running costs of the home. A more energy efficient rental market benefits everyone, especially those most affected by rising energy bills.
Get tailored advice
If you are not sure what is possible in your rental, or need help working out the most cost-effective changes, Graham Moore is available to help. He is a retired Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering who now volunteers with Darebin Climate Action Now. Graham can meet you at a café, local library or online to talk through your situation and help you take action.
Resources
City of Darebin, Go Electric for Renters
Quick Links
- Why Electrify? Understanding the Energy Market and Your Role in the Transition
- Getting Ready: What to Check Before You Begin
- Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
- Make the Switch: Heating, Hot Water and Cooking
- Solar, Batteries and EVs: Powering Your Future
- Renters: What You Can Do Now
Darebin Climate Action Now (DCAN) is run by volunteers who want to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. The information on this website, and provided by our volunteer expert Graham Moore, is general in nature. We recommend you seek independent advice applicable to your individual circumstances.