29 May 2026

ASBEC strongly supports the introduction of minimum energy efficiency rental standards in NSW. The introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes represents a critical and much needed measure to ensure that all residents of NSW – regardless of tenure – can live in homes that are safe, healthy, and affordable to heat and cool. As ASBEC has emphasised in rental standards submissions to both the ACT and Victorian Governments, such standards are essential for addressing entrenched inequity in the rental sector and delivering multiple co-benefits across health, energy affordability, and climate resilience.

The evidence is clear that many renters currently live in homes that are unsafe, unhealthy and unnecessarily expensive to run. MEERS represents an important opportunity to improve quality of home life for renters, reduce energy hardship, support climate resilience and ensure renters are not left behind in the energy transition. A carefully staged process can deliver significant long-term benefits for renters, landlords, the energy system and the broader community.

Read the full submission here