My rental has no fixed heater in the living area. Is that allowed?

Under the current minimum standard, an energy-efficient fixed heater 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. A plug-in oil heater or fan heater left by the agent doesn't count, however good it is.

Consumer Affairs Victoria notes the minimum standards don't apply where an agreement became periodic, month to month, before 29 March 2021. If that's your situation, check the details on its website.

Write to the rental provider or agent. Say which room is the main living area, that it has no fixed heater, and attach a photo. Consumer Affairs Victoria lists a property that doesn't meet the minimum standards as an urgent repair, and urgent repairs must be done immediately. Keep copies of what you send and any replies.

The rental provider organises and pays for the work. For properties advertised since 25 November 2025, the minimum standards must be met before the listing goes up, so a missing heater should have been dealt with before the property was advertised.

The usual fix is a reverse-cycle split system in the living area. It heats efficiently, cools in summer and suits where the rules are heading: from 1 March 2027, a fixed heater that fails and can't be repaired must be replaced with an energy-efficient fixed electric system. The installer should check the switchboard and circuit first, and the electrical work ends with a Certificate of Electrical Safety.