From 1 March 2027, new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards apply to Victorian rental properties. The Readiness Check tells you what each property needs, and when, while there is still time to plan the work rather than react to it.
What the 2027 standards require
Know what each property needs, before it is urgent
What the 2027 standards require
Ceiling insulation
Required in any ceiling space where none currently exists, from 1 March 2027.
Shower heads
4-star WELS rated or above, in every shower, from 1 March 2027.
Draught proofing
All external doors, windows and unsealed wall vents, from 1 July 2027.
At lease or relet
Compliance is required at the point of lease or relet, not on one fixed date for every property at once.
Why act before March 2027
A lower insulation spec
Insulation installed before 1 March 2027 can meet a lower specification. After that date it must be R5.0.
No electrical check first
From March 2027 a qualified electrician must complete a ceiling space safety check before insulation goes in.
Trade availability
Demand for insulation installers is expected to rise as the deadline approaches, affecting price and scheduling.
No leasing disruption
Work planned now can be arranged around an existing tenancy, rather than becoming urgent between leases.
What the Readiness Check includes:
-
Ceiling insulation check
Presence, accessibility and indicative rating, or compliance assurance where access is not possible.
-
Shower head efficiency check
WELS rating confirmation on every shower in the property.
-
Draught proofing check
All external doors, windows and unsealed wall vents.
-
Compliance assessment
Any required rectification works are identified. They are not quoted as part of this check.
Pricing
The Readiness Check is a one-off assessment completed during a scheduled smoke alarm service visit, so there is no separate call-out.
Pricing
2027 Readiness Check
A one-off assessment covering ceiling insulation, shower heads and draught proofing, with a written picture of what the property needs and when.
$79
Added to a scheduled smoke alarm service visit
Add-on
Where insulation is part of the building structure it may fall under Owners Corporation responsibility rather than the rental provider. The check identifies whether the requirement applies to the lot, whether it is already compliant, and where responsibility sits.
Important disclaimer
The advice provided in these guidelines is of a general nature only and is a summary of the main legislation and regulations affecting residential safety and compliance for the services and in the states described. It is not to be treated as a comprehensive appraisal of all applicable legislation and regulations in force. This advice does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. The advice is a summary of guidelines published by state and territory government websites. Accordingly, we have relied on the accuracy of the content published by the relevant websites in compiling this advice. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.
Book a service or talk to one of our friendly team members.
