Victorian Rental Property Hot Water Changes: Why Landlords Are Considering Heat Pump Systems
What landlords need to know about future hot water requirements
Changes to Victorian rental property energy efficiency standards mean landlords need to be aware of future requirements when replacing older hot water systems.
There is no need to replace a hot water system that is currently working correctly. From 1 March 2027, if a hot water system in a rental property permanently fails and cannot be repaired, it must be replaced with an energy efficient electric hot water system, such as a heat pump.
If you need a heat pump hot water system installed to meet the new regulations, give us a call on 0411 966 361 or email us
Why are heat pump hot water systems becoming more popular?
Heat pump hot water systems are becoming an increasingly popular choice for Melbourne homes, including rental properties because they use heat from the surrounding air to heat water rather than relying only on traditional electric heating methods.
Some of the benefits of heat pump hot water systems include:
- Lower energy usage: Heat pumps can use significantly less electricity than traditional electric storage hot water systems.
- Better energy efficiency: They provide an efficient way to heat water by transferring heat from the air.
- Solar compatibility: Many systems can work well with homes that have solar power.
- Future focused solution: They provide landlords with a modern hot water option when older systems need replacing.
Are there exemptions from installing a heat pump hot water system?
While most Victorian rental properties will need to transition to an energy efficient electric hot water system when their existing system permanently fails and cannot be repaired, there are some situations where an exemption may apply. These exemptions are designed for properties where installing a compliant system is not reasonably practical due to space, electrical, building or technical limitations.
The main exemptions include:
- Insufficient space – where there is not enough suitable space to install a compliant heat pump or other eligible energy efficient hot water system.
- Electrical constraints – where the property’s electrical infrastructure cannot support the required system and upgrading it is not reasonably practical.
- Heritage restrictions – where heritage requirements prevent the installation of a compliant hot water system.
- Owners corporation restrictions – where an owners corporation prevents the installation. This may be relevant for some apartments and shared buildings.
- Centralised hot water systems – where the property is supplied by a shared or centralised hot water system.
- Other technical or site constraints – where there are genuine technical reasons that make installation impractical or unsafe.
Heat Pump Hot Water installation with MJ Air
If your hot water system is nearing the end of its lifespan, prepare your rental property for the new requirements by upgrading to a new heat pump hot water system.
MJ Air provides professional heat pump hot water installation services across Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs, as well as the Mornington Peninsula.
If you need a heat pump hot water system installed to meet the new regulations, give us a call on 0411 966 361 or email us