Renters are four times more likely than homeowners to struggle with the summer heat, according to a new report from tenant organisation Better Renting.

Home-Baked: Housing, Heat, and Health examines the health risks from heatwaves in relation to housing.

It finds that climate change and an aging population are likely to increase the health risks posed by heatwaves, especially among older Australians, people with mental health conditions, and the socially isolated.

The report makes the following recommendations to decision-makers:

• Improve the energy efficiency of housing stock
• Increase vegetation and street shading
• Facilitate access to public cool areas
• Facilitate a transition from gas heating to RCAC
• Encourage rooftop solar PV

More information here