Home Heating and Cooling Upgrade rebates are available for rental properties to lower running costs and improve the health and well-being of renters.

Under the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program, eligible rental providers can receive $1,000 towards the cost of an energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner to upgrade inefficient gas heaters, electric heaters, and wood heaters in their investment property.

What is on offer?

In addition to a rebate of up to $1,000 on the cost of installing a reverse-cycle air conditioner, an existing heater may need to be decommissioned to qualify for a rebate. Decommissioning an old heating system can help improve comfort and lower heating operation costs. To help facilitate this the Home Heating and Cooling Program also offer:

• $200 towards the cost of decommissioning an outdated gas heater (if an existing gas heater is being replaced); and
• $500 towards the cost of upgrading a switchboard (if an upgrade is required to install the rebated reverse-cycle air conditioner)

You may be required to decommission your old system as part of the upgrade, but removal is not required, and the program does not cover the cost of any repairs or “making good”. You may wish to pay for the removal of your old system in agreement with your supplier.

Rental providers can receive up to two rebates per financial year. There is a limit of one rebate per property.

Is your property eligible?

Rental properties owned by individuals and those owned by entities (such as a trust, self-managed super fund, or similar entity) are all eligible for rebates for the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program.

Properties owned by an entity must nominate a representative to complete the application.

To be eligible for rebates rental providers must:

• own a rental property that is either:
  • earning $500 or less in weekly rent, or
  • occupied by renters holding a valid concession card or with a combined household income below $90,000, or
  • unoccupied with the potential to earn $500 or less in weekly rent
• declare the rental property is not used for holiday accommodation (such as Airbnb)
• replace an existing gas, fixed electric, or wood heater or no heating with an energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner
• install a reverse-cycle air conditioner from the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program approved products list by an approved Home Heating and Cooling Program supplier

How do I apply?

Before starting your application, we recommend that you review the FAQs.

To find out how to apply for a Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program rebate, click on the link below or contact our friendly property management team who can offer assistance.

Applying for a rebate for your rental property | Solar Victoria (heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au)