Renters: Understand New Energy Efficiency Standards - Free Webinar with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Empowering Renters: Learn About the New Energy Efficiency Standards

Free Webinar – 18 June 2025 | Hosted by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

If you're currently renting a home on the Mornington Peninsula or thinking about moving soon, you’ve probably heard whispers about changes to Victoria’s rental laws – especially around energy efficiency standards.

Good news: The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is hosting a free, informative webinar on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, designed specifically to help renters understand their rights and responsibilities under these new regulations.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event, what to expect, why it matters – and how you can get involved.

What’s This Webinar All About?

Titled “Renters – Understand New Energy Efficiency Standards,” this free webinar is a must-attend event for anyone living in or renting property across the Mornington Peninsula.

The goal?

To educate and empower renters to better understand:

• How the new energy efficiency standards apply to rental homes

• What minimum standards rental providers must meet

• Your rights as a renter in Victoria

• How to spot whether your current rental property is compliant

• What to do if your home is underperforming

With increasing energy prices and growing concern about climate resilience, the Victorian Government has introduced minimum energy efficiency requirements for rental properties – covering everything from ceiling insulation and draught sealing to energy-efficient heating.

This webinar will break down the legal jargon, give you clear, practical advice, and provide tools to help you advocate for safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters – Especially for Renters

Energy efficiency isn’t just about the environment – it’s about comfort, health, and affordability.

For renters, who may have limited control over the condition or upgrades in their home, living in a poorly insulated or inefficient property can mean:

• Higher energy bills

• Poor heating/cooling performance

• Health impacts from mould or damp

• Uncomfortable living conditions in winter and summer

The new standards aim to level the playing field, ensuring that all homes – including rentals – meet basic efficiency requirements that protect renters' wellbeing and reduce household costs.

What Are the New Standards in Victoria?

As part of Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act updates, several minimum rental standards now include energy efficiency requirements, such as:

• Fixed heating: Rental properties must have a fixed heater in the main living area that meets minimum energy efficiency standards (2-star energy rating or higher).

• Weather sealing: Windows and doors should be free of draughts and able to be properly closed.

• Insulation and ventilation: Ceiling insulation is now expected to meet minimum R-value ratings, and proper ventilation must be provided to avoid mould buildup.

Rental providers are now required to ensure their properties comply with these standards before renting them out – or face penalties.

This is a major shift, and for renters, it means you’re legally entitled to live in a home that’s warm, safe, efficient, and affordable to run.

Who Should Attend This Webinar?

This free webinar is designed for:

• Current renters on the Mornington Peninsula

• New renters about to move into a rental property

• Community advocates or support workers helping renters

• Anyone wanting to understand how these laws impact their day-to-day life

You don’t need any legal background or technical knowledge to benefit – the presenters will explain everything in plain English, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Webinar Details

Event: Renters – Understand New Energy Efficiency Standards
Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (AEST)
Location: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: FREE
Host: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

🔗 Register here: Registration link

What You’ll Learn in the Webinar

Expect a practical, easy-to-follow presentation with real examples. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

• Overview of Victoria’s rental minimum standards

• What "energy efficiency" means in a rental context

• How to check if your rental property complies

• What steps to take if your home doesn't meet standards

• How to raise concerns with your rental provider

• Where to go for help or support

• Local resources and rebates you may be eligible for

• Live Q&A session with housing experts and council reps

Whether you’re renting a unit in Mornington, a cottage in Red Hill, or a beach house in Rosebud, the information in this session applies to all types of rental properties.

Why This Matters for Mornington Peninsula Renters

The Mornington Peninsula experiences diverse weather conditions – from winter chills to hot, dry summers. Having a well-insulated and efficient rental home is essential for both comfort and safety.

With a high proportion of older homes and seasonal rentals in the region, not all properties currently meet the new energy standards. That’s why this webinar is so important.

It helps renters:

• Understand their rights

• Feel confident asking for improvements

• Identify when a property is non-compliant

• Access support without fear of eviction

And for community-minded residents, it’s a great way to spread awareness and ensure no one gets left behind as the regulations evolve.

What Renters Can Do Now

Even before attending the webinar, there are a few proactive steps renters can take:

1. Know Your Rights

Familiarise yourself with Victoria’s minimum rental standards via the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

2. Inspect Your Property

Check for visible issues like draughty doors, faulty heaters, or lack of insulation. Note down any concerns.

3. Communicate with Your Rental Provider

Raise concerns in writing (email is best), and allow a reasonable time for them to respond.

4. Seek Support If Needed

Groups like Tenants Victoria and local community centres can provide legal advice and advocacy.

Who’s Behind This Webinar?

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has long been a leader in community engagement and sustainability.

Their Housing Justice and Environment teams have joined forces to make sure renters are not left in the dark about their housing rights and energy responsibilities.

By offering free, accessible, and easy-to-understand education, they’re working to ensure safe, healthy homes for all – no matter your income, background, or housing situation.

Local Resources for Renters

Here are some useful organisations that may also support you before or after the webinar:

• Mornington Peninsula Shire – Climate and Environment Unit

• Tenants Victoria – Legal info and renter advocacy

• Consumer Affairs Victoria – Official standards and complaints

• South East Community Links – Local support and housing help

• Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV) – Help with energy billing or provider disputes

Final Thoughts

This free renter-focused webinar on 18 June 2025 is more than just a presentation – it’s an opportunity to feel informed, empowered, and supported in a changing rental landscape.

If you’re living in a rental property, don’t miss the chance to:

• Learn your rights

• Understand the new energy efficiency requirements

• Ask questions and get real answers

• Access resources to help you feel safe and confident at home

Let’s make sure everyone on the Mornington Peninsula can live comfortably, affordably, and sustainably – starting with a warm, well-insulated home.

Summary: Why You Should Attend

✅ Free and local – No cost, and relevant to the Mornington Peninsula
✅ Clear info – No legal jargon or tech talk
✅ Great for renters – Whether you’re new to renting or a long-time resident
✅ Know your rights – Understand exactly what your rental provider is responsible for
✅ Ask your questions – Live Q&A with experts

🗓️ Save the date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025

🎟️ Register online today to reserve your spot and receive your Zoom link.

Let’s create a rental community that’s safe, sustainable, and informed.