The concerning number of rentals routinely hitting dangerous temperatures

Renters are regularly sweltering through unhealthy heat in their homes, a new report from tenant organisation Better Renting reveals.

According to the report, indoor temperatures in Australian rentals hit 30 degrees for an hour a day on average.

Campaigner for Better Renting, Bernie Barrett, says homes should remain below 25 degrees for optimal health.

When they rise above that, there can be serious consequences.

“The risks, it can be things like dehydration, fatigue, but over a long time if you’re living in a hot home it impacts your heart health, your cardiovascular system, but also your liver. There’s a lot of impacts on health but also there’s a lot of impact on mental health,” she told Neil Mitchell.

“Below 23 degrees is what’s best.”

While most owner occupiers have air conditioning, Ms Barrett says many renters don’t have access to it.

“Only 64 per cent of renters have air conditioning comparted to 91 per cent of people who own their home,” Ms Barrett said.

“Insulation is a really big part of that as well. Only 37 per cent of renters have homes that are insulated and if you’ve ever lived in an uninsulated home you kind of know that that makes a big difference.”

Better Renting is calling on governments to establish minimum health and safety standards for rental homes.

“All renters deserve to have a healthy home and there’s lots that we can do to make homes healthier,” Ms Barrett said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the concerning conditions in many rentals