Decent not dodgy rental homes won’t cost the earth but will save tenants a bundle
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Victoria’s shocking lack of basic standards for rental housing like electrical safety switches, deadlocks and heating could be addressed at very little cost to landlords, according to new research published today by VCOSS.
The full report of the ‘Decent not Dodgy’ survey of 116 rental properties in Melbourne and Geelong conducted by the Victorian Council of Social Service counters claims and concerns that legislating minimum standards for rental homes in Victoria would cost landlords too much.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of VCOSS Carolyn Atkins said, “Although more than one in ten properties inspected by VCOSS were uninhabitable and would require significant investment to guarantee they were safe, secure and affordable to live in, the majority of homes surveyed would meet basic living standards with the installation of one or two basic and inexpensive items like electrical safety switches, or deadlocks.”
“VCOSS analysis also showed that more than half of properties could be brought up to an acceptable standard with just two alterations or repairs, and 41 percent could meet VCOSS’ proposed standards with either no alterations or the installation of a low flow showerhead and/or a deadlock.”
“This winter tenants will struggle with high electricity bills and freezing homes. VCOSS’s report shows that minimum standards could save renters up to $363 a year on their winter energy bills if their landlords installed a gas heater and ceiling insulation and $336 a year if the property switched from electric to gas hot water heating.”
NB** Media: Kildonan UnitingCare spokesman available to comment on the impact of poor quality housing on clients and the risks tenants face in asking for basic repairs.
For a copy of the full Decent Not Dodgy report click here.
For more information, or to arrange an interview
contact John Kelly – M: 0425 701 080Follow the conversation at www.twitter.com/vcoss
VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 9654 5050 F: 03 9654 5749 W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au