Air conditioning has shifted from a luxury to an expectation in rental properties across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. As Victorian summers become hotter and tenants become more discerning, landlords who don't provide adequate cooling and heating are increasingly finding their properties harder to lease — and harder to retain good tenants.
Here's what landlords need to know.
Is air conditioning required in a rental property?
Under current Victorian tenancy law, landlords are required to ensure rental properties meet minimum standards — including that the property is in a good state of repair. While air conditioning is not explicitly mandated in all cases, the requirement that properties be 'reasonably habitable' is being interpreted more broadly as extreme heat events become more common.
More practically, a rental property without any cooling in the Frankston area will attract a narrower pool of tenants and command a lower rent than a comparable property with air conditioning. The return on investment is typically strong.
What type of system should landlords install?
For most rental properties, a split system air conditioner in the main living area is the minimum expectation — and the most cost-effective starting point. Key considerations:
• Size matters — an undersized system won't adequately cool the space and will lead to tenant complaints
• All major brands are suitable for rental applications — Alby Cool installs and services all of them
• Inverter models are significantly more energy efficient for tenants and are now the standard
• A model with a straightforward remote control reduces the likelihood of misuse or damage
Maintenance responsibilities
In a rental property, maintenance responsibilities are shared between landlord and tenant. Generally:
• The landlord is responsible for ensuring the system is in working order and for arranging professional repairs when needed
• The tenant is typically responsible for basic maintenance such as cleaning the filter every 3 months
Alby Cool recommends landlords schedule an annual professional service of any HVAC system in a rental property — both to maintain the system and to document its condition. This protects the landlord in the event of a dispute.
What about the government rebate for rental properties?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate is available to eligible rental properties as well as owner-occupied homes. If the property has an existing gas ducted heating system, replacing it with an energy-efficient electric reverse cycle system may qualify for a rebate of up to $5,530 — a significant contribution to an upgrade that also makes the property more attractive to tenants.
Talk to Alby Cool about your investment property
Alby Cool services rental properties across Frankston, Seaford, Langwarrin, Carrum Downs, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Cranbourne, and surrounding suburbs. We provide fast turnaround quotes, can coordinate directly with property managers, and handle everything from supply and installation to ongoing servicing.
Phone: 0409 336 452
Email: andrew@albycool.com.au
Web: www.albycool.com.au
— Andrew Albert, Director, Alby Cool Pty Ltd