Rentals are a large part of Victoria’s housing, and they are where energy upgrades stall: the tenant pays the bills, the landlord owns the building. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) is designed to work for both, but you need to be clear about who does what.
Who is eligible
The Victorian Government’s guidance states that all Victorian households can access VEU discounts, with no income or property-value test. Private rental properties are included. The discount is delivered by an accredited provider as a reduction in price, funded by the certificates (VEECs) the provider creates.
Landlord or tenant: who decides
The difference is about fixtures. A tenant can generally buy a portable appliance such as a fridge, television or heat pump dryer and use the activity. See how the appliance activities work. A heat pump hot water system, a split system air conditioner, insulation or new windows are fixed to the property, so they need the owner’s consent.
In practice, that means the landlord, or an agent acting for them, authorises the work and signs where the paperwork requires it. Some providers will deal with the agent directly.
Why landlords care
- Discounts reduce the capital cost of an upgrade that adds value to the property.
- Efficient heating, cooling and hot water improve rental appeal and reduce emergency-repair risk.
- Victoria’s rental minimum standards include heating and other requirements, so an upgrade can be part of compliance planning. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria for the current standards.
Why tenants care
Lower bills, if the tenant pays them. A tenant who pays for an upgrade without an agreement risks leaving it behind. The practical solution is a written agreement before anything is installed.
What this means for installers
- Establish who owns the premises and who is authorising the work before you quote.
- Get the owner’s consent in writing where the upgrade is fixed, and keep it with the VEEC assignment form.
- Be clear about who is paying the co-payment and who receives any invoice.
- Remember that the signed form is part of an audit file. What the ESC checks explains why.
How much is the discount?
The same as for any household: it depends on the activity and the VEEC price (roughly $85 to $95 at the time of writing). For hot water, see heat pump VEECs in Victoria. For the difference between VEU and Solar Victoria, read VEU vs Solar Victoria.
Selling the certificates
Rental work tends to be high volume through agents and property managers. The VEEC trading pillar explains how we buy certificates, rates are on /pricing/, and you can start trading.
Confirm the activity guide for consent and signing rules before each job.