Is your rental heater inefficient? What renters can ask for

Victoria's rental minimum standards require a fixed heater, not a portable one, in good working order in the main living area. For agreements entered into from 29 March 2023, it must be an energy-efficient fixed heater, and the rental provider must upgrade a fixed heater that isn't. The minimum standards don't apply to agreements that became periodic before 29 March 2021.

Energy efficient currently means a non-ducted air conditioner or heat pump rated 2 stars or above, a gas space heater rated 2 stars or above, a ducted or hydronic system with an outlet in the main living area, or a solid fuel appliance such as a fireplace or wood stove.

Start with the type. A ducted or hydronic system with an outlet in the living room qualifies on type alone. A split system or a gas space heater needs a rating of 2 stars or more. A fixed electric panel or strip heater isn't on the list, and a heater that plugs into a power point isn't fixed at all.

Next, look for the star rating label on the unit or in the manual. Labels on older heaters have often long gone, so note the brand and model number, usually on a plate on the side or base of the unit, and search it online or ask the agent for the details. Don't remove covers or panels to find it.

Notice how it runs, too. A heater that can't warm the living area on a cold night, or a gas heater with a changed flame colour or soot marks, is worth reporting whatever its rating. Energy Safe Victoria says any change in how a gas heater runs means a qualified gasfitter should inspect it.

Write to your agent or rental provider by email or through the agent's portal, so there's a dated record. Describe the heater, where it is, its brand and model if you know them, and why you think it doesn't meet the energy-efficient heater standard. Attach photos, and ask them to confirm the rating or arrange an upgrade.

Consumer Affairs Victoria lists a property that doesn't meet the minimum standards among urgent repairs, and urgent repairs must be done immediately. Non-urgent repairs must be done within 14 days of a written request, and the rental provider organises and pays for repairs unless the renter caused the problem. If you can't get a response, Consumer Affairs Victoria's website explains the next steps.

The usual fix is a reverse-cycle split in the living area. Reverse-cycle units move 3 to 5 units of heat for each unit of electricity, against about 1 for a standard electric heater, so if you've been topping up with plug-in heaters, your winter bills can drop as well.

It also suits where the rules are heading. From 1 March 2027, a fixed heater that fails and can't be repaired must be replaced with efficient fixed electric heating with an outlet in the main living area, and one reverse-cycle unit can meet both the heating and cooling standards. The rental provider arranges the work and agrees access with you.