Qld renters missing out on energy bill relief

The report found one-third (33%) of renters had no energy efficient features in their home.

Renters are missing out on energy saving benefits in their homes, new research reveals.

REA Group, together with Origin, released the PropTrack Origin Renter Reality Report, which analyses the motivations and obstacles for Australian renters to use energy efficient features in the home.

The report found one-third (33%) of renters had no energy efficient features in their home, while another 22 per cent were unsure.

REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty.

“Surging costs have created real challenges for Australian renters, and many are now being forced to make compromises around the size, location, and quality of the homes they can afford,” REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty said.

“Energy efficient homes can offer much needed relief for renters on energy bills and can contribute to broader environmental goals.

“Yet due to limited control over property features, many renters are missing out on these ] benefits.”

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“Surging costs have created real challenges for Australian renters.

The report revealed more than half of renters cited lack of control (56%) as the biggest roadblock to adopting energy efficient features in the home, followed by upfront costs (27%).

The majority of renters (59%) believe property owners were responsible for improving energy efficiency while 35 per cent of renters said they would be willing to pay more for a home with smart energy features.

“Despite these barriers, a third of respondents stated they would be willing to pay more for smart energy features, indicating motivations are there, yet stronger policies, incentives, and education are needed to help renting households improve energy efficiency.

“This could even begin with something as simple as a conversation with a landlord to identify energy efficient opportunities in the home.”

Origin retail executive general manager Jon Briskin said there were many simple, affordable and temporary solutions to boost energy efficiency in rental properties.

Origin retail executive general manager Jon Briskin said there were many simple, affordable and temporary solutions to boost energy efficiency in rental properties and deliver energy bill savings.

“This includes draught-proofing, upgrading appliances to energy efficient models, as well as small changes to energy habits,” Mr Briskin said.

“We also welcome policy updates and improved availability of rebates that encourage landlords to improve energy efficiency in rental properties, including installing solar panels and batteries, ensuring renters share in the benefits and are not left behind in the energy transition.”

The most common features renters report having in their homes were efficient lighting. Picture: Jake Nowakowski mortgage belt, aerial, property

The most common features renters report having in their homes were efficient lighting (21%), followed by solar power (15%) and energy efficient appliances (13%).

Around half of renters reported turning off lights (53%) and appliances (47%) when not in use as their most common energy-saving behaviours.

The report draws on the views of more than 4,800 respondents to the realestate.com.au Residential Audience Pulse Survey.

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