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    Rentals & landlords

    What happens if the heater in my rental breaks after March 2027?

    Updated 9 October 2026

    The short answer
    If it can be repaired, it's repaired as an urgent repair, as it is now. If it fails and can't be repaired, from 1 March 2027 the rental provider must replace it with an energy-efficient fixed electric heating system with an outlet in the main living area, so not another gas heater. For most homes that means a reverse-cycle air conditioner. A working heater that meets the current standard doesn't need replacing early.

    What counts as the replacement

    From 1 March 2027, an energy-efficient fixed heater means an electric, non-portable, non-ducted air conditioner or heat pump with a GEMS heating rating of 2 stars or more, or an electric ducted system with a GEMS Heating Seasonal Performance Factor of 3.2 or more, both for the property's climate area. Melbourne reads the Cold zone on the Zoned Energy Rating Label. A wall split in the living room is the usual answer, and ducted reverse-cycle suits some homes. Consumer Affairs Victoria lists an exception for heaters on bottled LPG, which can be replaced with another LPG heater.

    For renters

    A heating appliance that has stopped working is on the legal list of urgent repairs, and rental providers must do urgent repairs immediately. Report it in writing, with what the heater is doing and any error code. A portable heater from the agent can get you through a cold night, but it doesn't meet the standard, which asks for a fixed heater in the main living area.

    A replacement can take longer than a repair, because the new unit needs a spot for the outdoor unit and a circuit from the switchboard. Ask the agent what's planned and when.

    For landlords

    The rule is triggered by a breakdown, often on the first cold night of winter, which is the worst time to find the switchboard has no room for a new circuit. If the heater is old, have the switchboard and the likely indoor and outdoor unit positions assessed now so the swap can happen quickly. Some landlords choose to replace an ageing heater before it fails.

    Gas disconnection is done by a licensed gasfitter, and the electrical work ends with a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Owner-occupied homes aren't covered by this rule: owners aren't required to switch gas space heating to electric.

    Services that can help

    Heat Pump HeatingReverse cycle heat pump heating, sized, installed and wired.Switching from Gas to Electric HeatingMoving from gas heating to reverse-cycle heat pumps.Split System Air ConditioningSplit systems installed, repaired or replaced, circuit included.

    Read more in our guides

    Related questions

    Sources for this answer

    7 sources, with the date each was checked
    1. 1.Consumer Affairs Victoria: From 1 March 2027, when an existing fixed heating system fails and can't be repaired ,it must be replaced with an energy-efficient fixed electric heating system with an outlet in the main living area. You do not need to… Accessed 30 September 2026.
    2. 2.Consumer Affairs Victoria: Definition: From 1 March 2027, ‘energy efficient fixed heater’ means: (a) an electric, non-portable, non-ducted air conditioner or heat pump capable of heating with a 2 star or above Greenhouse and Energy Minimum… Accessed 30 September 2026.
    3. 3.Commonwealth of Australia (2019), 'The new zoned energy rating label for air conditioners—What installers and retailers need to know', hosted on energyrating.gov.au: Melbourne is in a black ‘COLD’ area—read the black Cold ratings. Accessed 30 September 2026.
    4. 4.Consumer Affairs Victoria: Anything on this list is legally defined as an urgent repair: burst water service blocked or broken toilet system serious roof leak gas leak dangerous electrical fault flooding or serious flood damage serious… Accessed 30 September 2026.
    5. 5.Consumer Affairs Victoria: All rental properties must have a fixed heater (not portable) in good working order in the main living area. For rental agreements entered into from 29 March 2023, this must be an energy efficient fixed heater in the… Accessed 30 September 2026.
    6. 6.Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Victoria): From 1 March 2027, if a gas hot water appliance breaks and cannot be repaired, it must be replaced with an electric alternative. No requirement to upgrade gas space heating or stovetop gas cooking to electric, however… Accessed 30 September 2026.
    7. 7.Energy Safe Victoria: Whenever a licensed electrician completes any electrical installation work, they must provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). Accessed 30 September 2026.

    General information for homes in Victoria. Every installation is different, so treat this as a starting point. Where this answer refers to Victorian safety or rental rules, the sources above have the current requirements.