Renters to Get Solar and EV Charging as States Push Landlords to Cover Gas Removal Costs

Breaking: States Urged to Force Landlord-Funded Electrification of Rental Properties

State governments must impose stricter regulations requiring landlords to pay for the removal of gas connections and install plug-in solar, portable batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers in rental properties, according to a coalition of energy and tenant advocacy groups.

Renters, often left out of the clean energy transition, would gain direct access to on-site renewable energy under the proposed rules, which aim to cut household emissions and energy bills.

Key Demands

• Landlords cover full costs of disconnecting gas and upgrading electric infrastructure.
• Renters allowed to install plug-in solar systems, portable batteries, and EV chargers without penalty.
• Minimum energy efficiency standards for rentals to be phased in by 2030.

Background

Australian rental properties are among the least energy-efficient in the nation, with many still reliant on gas for heating, hot water, and cooking. Electrification is seen as a crucial step to reduce carbon emissions and lower power bills for tenants.

Currently, tenants face barriers—they cannot install solar panels, batteries, or chargers without landlord permission, and few landlords voluntarily invest in upgrades. The push follows similar moves in Victoria and the ACT to mandate energy performance disclosures for rentals.

What This Means

If adopted, the new standards could dramatically accelerate the electrification of Australia's housing stock, potentially displacing gas in millions of homes. Renters would see immediate savings as plug-in solar and battery systems reduce reliance on the grid.

However, the costs for landlords—estimated at thousands of dollars per property—may face political resistance and could be passed on through higher rents in the short term.

Expert and Source Quotes

Dr. Emily Tran, energy policy analyst at the Australian Institute, said: "This is the missing piece in our electrification puzzle. Renters have been locked out of the benefits of cheap solar and EVs simply because they don't own the roof."

Mark Lee, CEO of Tenants' Union of Australia, added: "Landlords have a duty to provide safe, healthy, and efficient homes. Gas connections are a health hazard and a climate liability. It's time they paid to fix the problem they created."

Jane Harper, spokesperson for the Solar Energy Association, said: "Plug-in solar kits and portable batteries are now affordable and easy to install. The only barrier is outdated rental rules that treat tenants as second-class citizens."

Urgent Call for Reform

The coalition has written to all state energy ministers demanding action within 12 months, warning that without intervention, Australia will fail its climate targets. They point to the example of the ACT's minimum energy efficiency standards which have cut gas use in rentals by 15% in two years.

Landlord associations have pushed back, arguing that forced upgrades would raise rents and reduce housing supply. But advocates counter that studies show long-term savings outweigh upfront costs for both landlords and tenants.

What Happens Next

The next meeting of state energy ministers is scheduled for April 2025, where the proposal will be debated. If adopted, regulations could take effect from July 2026.

Renters are urged to contact their local M.P. and demand action on rental electrification—a key election issue expected to feature prominently in upcoming state campaigns.