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Cooling Deadline - 1 March 2027

RENTAL PROPERTY
HEATING & COOLING
COMPLIANCE

Victorian rental minimum standards will require cooling in the main living area from March 2027. OnePeak helps property managers and real estate agents prepare their portfolios early, with straightforward advice and efficient installations.

Cooling required in rental main living areas from 1 March 2027
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KEY DATES FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS

The Victorian Government is phasing in new minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties. Here are the dates that matter.

Already in Effect

Fixed Heater Required

A fixed heater with a minimum 2-star energy rating must be installed in the main living area of all rental properties. Portable heaters do not comply.

In Effect Now
1 March 2027 - At New Lease

Cooling Required in Main Living Area

At the start of a new lease or conversion to periodic, cooling with a minimum 3-star energy rating must be installed. Ceiling insulation and 4-star showerheads also required. End-of-life heating must be replaced with efficient electric systems.

Less Than 12 Months Away
1 July 2030 - Hard Deadline

All Rentals Must Have Efficient Cooling

Efficient electric cooling must be installed in the main living area of all rental properties, regardless of lease timing. This is the universal compliance deadline - no exceptions.

Universal Deadline

MINIMUM STANDARDS YOUR RENTALS MUST MEET

Under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 and the 2025 Amendment, rental properties must meet these heating and cooling standards.

Fixed Heating

A fixed heater in good working order must be installed in the main living area. Portable heaters do not satisfy this requirement.

Minimum standard: 2-star energy rating. Qualifying types include reverse-cycle air conditioners, gas space heaters (2-star+), or ducted heating systems.

Cooling - From March 2027

Cooling must be installed in the main living area at the commencement of a new lease. By July 2030, all rentals must comply regardless of lease status.

Minimum standard: 3-star cooling energy rating for non-ducted systems, or a Total Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor of 3.8 for ducted systems.

Reverse-Cycle - Best Option

A reverse-cycle split system satisfies both the heating and cooling requirements from a single unit, making it the most cost-effective compliance pathway for landlords.

Why it works: One installation covers both mandates. Combined with VEU program discounts, it's the smartest investment.

Additional Requirements

Beyond heating and cooling, the 2025 amendments also require ceiling insulation and 4-star showerheads (from March 2027).

End-of-life rule: When existing gas heating or hot water reaches end of life, it must be replaced with an efficient electric alternative.

PLANNING AHEAD PAYS OFF

Victorian rental minimum standards set out clear heating and cooling requirements for rental properties. Preparing early gives property managers and landlords time to upgrade portfolios in a planned, cost-effective way - rather than rushing to meet the deadline.

Under Victorian law, both landlords and agents have a role in meeting these standards. Getting ahead of the 2027 cooling requirement means less disruption at lease renewal and a smoother experience for everyone involved.

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1 Mar 2027
Cooling Deadline
1 Jul 2030
All Rentals
  • Fixed heater with min 2-star rating in main living area
  • Cooling required in main living area from 1 March 2027
  • Min 3-star cooling energy rating
  • Reverse-cycle split systems meet both requirements
  • VEU program can reduce upfront costs
  • All rentals to have efficient electric cooling by 2030

WHY AGENTS CHOOSE ONEPEAK

We make rental property compliance simple. One call, one quote, one installation - your property is compliant.

Portfolio Assessments

We assess your entire portfolio and provide a prioritised compliance plan based on upcoming lease renewals and the 2027 deadline. Free on-site quotes for every property.

Volume Pricing

Competitive pricing for agencies with multiple properties. The more properties you need compliant, the better the rate. Combined with VEU discounts, compliance costs less than you think.

Priority Scheduling

We prioritise agency work to align with your lease renewal schedule. Installations completed promptly so properties can be advertised and leased without delay.

RENTAL COMPLIANCE FAQ

Victorian rental properties must have a fixed heater with a minimum 2-star energy rating in the main living area. From 1 March 2027, cooling with a minimum 3-star energy rating must also be installed at the start of a new lease. By 1 July 2030, all rental properties must have efficient electric cooling regardless of lease timing.
From 1 March 2027, cooling must be installed in the main living area when a new lease begins or a lease converts to periodic. By 1 July 2030, all rental properties must have efficient electric cooling installed regardless of lease status. The cooling unit must meet at least a 3-star cooling energy rating.
Victorian rental minimum standards are enforced by Consumer Affairs Victoria, and both landlords and agents have obligations under the framework. Getting ahead of the requirements avoids issues at lease renewal and makes compliance straightforward. We're happy to talk through the details during a free quote and recommend the best approach for each property.
Yes. A reverse-cycle split system provides both heating and cooling from one unit, satisfying both minimum standards simultaneously. This makes it the most cost-effective compliance pathway for rental properties, especially when combined with VEU program discounts.
Under Victorian law, real estate agents and property managers share responsibility with landlords for meeting rental minimum standards. Working with an installer early in the process helps agents guide owners through their options and keep portfolios ready ahead of the 2027 cooling deadline.
Yes. We offer competitive pricing for property managers and agencies with multiple properties requiring compliance upgrades. Contact us to discuss a portfolio compliance plan with priority scheduling and volume pricing.

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DON'T WAIT FOR THE DEADLINE

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