These amendments should bring some relief to property investors, and reduce the cost of compliance for owners of properties which are already well insulated, heated, and ventilated. 

Part of the amendment to the Healthy Homes Standard states: “Proposed changes include an increase to the electric heater ‘top up’ allowance from 1.5kW to 2.4kW and an increase in the tolerance allowance from 90% to 80% if there is an existing qualifying heater installed prior to July 2019.”

One of the concerns we have had over the current standards was the wasteful result of removing functioning heat sources to replace with an oversized unit. We have often heard from tenants that they won’t turn on a large heatpump due to concern about power bills. 

We are aware heating is a major cost for tenants, and enabling an increase in the tolerance allowance will give tenants options to choose the extent of heating they wish to use. 

Good news, and we look forward to this amendment coming into effect soon.