Summer Ready Rentals: Keeping Your Tenants Comfortable and Happy

The importance of keeping tenants cool

As Perth’s summers continue to get hotter, tenant comfort has never been more important. While current WA tenancy laws don’t require landlords to provide air conditioning, expectations are shifting and changes to national standards are already on the horizon.

At D Residential Group, we believe being proactive about comfort and safety isn’t just good property management, it’s good business. Keeping your property cool helps attract and retain quality tenants, prevents heat-related damage, and shows genuine care for tenant wellbeing.

Do Landlords Legally Need to Provide Cooling?

At present, there are no formal cooling requirements in Western Australia or any other Australian state, though this is expected to change over the coming years.

Victoria is leading the way, with new legislation requiring energy-efficient cooling systems in main living areas for all new leases from March 2027. By July 2030, that rule will apply to all Victorian rental properties, regardless of lease start date.

While WA has not yet introduced similar laws, these national trends signal what’s ahead. Energy efficiency and tenant comfort are becoming key benchmarks in residential property standards. Forward-thinking landlords who act early will be well-positioned when future requirements come into effect.

Why Comfort and Safety Matter

Even without a legal mandate, rental properties in WA must remain safe, secure, and habitable under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA). If extreme heat renders a home unliveable, a landlord could still be deemed responsible for ensuring the premises remain fit for occupation.

In Perth’s hot climate, this is particularly relevant. Landlords who invest in cooling solutions now are not only protecting tenants but also safeguarding their property value and long-term rental performance.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Property Cool

Installing a modern, energy-efficient air-conditioner remains the most effective way to maintain comfort and is often viewed by tenants as an essential feature. But there are several practical upgrades landlords can make to enhance comfort and energy efficiency without major cost.

Here are a few simple steps to consider:
• Ceiling fans: A low-cost way to improve air circulation and comfort.
• Window treatments: Blinds, curtains, or window film help keep the sun out and reduce indoor temperatures.
• Insulation: Roof and ceiling insulation significantly reduce heat transfer, lowering energy costs.
• Roof ventilation: Whirlybirds or extractor fans help release trapped heat from the roof cavity.
• Shade solutions: Pergolas, shade sails, or strategically placed greenery can reduce direct sun exposure.
• Sealing gaps: Draft stoppers or weather stripping help keep cool air in and hot air out.

Small improvements can have a big impact, not only making the property more pleasant for tenants but also demonstrating that you’re a responsive and proactive landlord.

The Benefits for Landlords

Providing a comfortable living environment offers long-term value. Properties that stay cooler in summer are more appealing to quality tenants, reduce turnover, and lower maintenance risks associated with heat exposure such as warped flooring or cracking paint.

Additionally, showing a commitment to tenant wellbeing helps strengthen relationships and encourage lease renewals, saving time and vacancy costs in the long run.

The Bottom Line

With WA summers growing hotter and national legislation moving toward higher minimum standards, the question isn’t if, but when cooling requirements will become part of every landlord’s compliance checklist.

Staying ahead of the curve means thinking strategically about your property’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency now.

At D Residential Group, we assist Perth landlords in maintaining properties that are not only compliant but genuinely comfortable. From recommending cooling upgrades to coordinating trusted local trades, we ensure your investment remains protected and your tenants happy.

For further reading on this topic, visit EBM RentCover WA, whose research and resources informed this article.