Rental properties could soon be greener than ever, with the announcement that rebates for ceiling insulation has been increased. Landlords can now claim a rebate of $1600 for rental properties. This new move will bring rented properties into line with privately-owned homes, who can already claim the more generous rebate.
It is hoped this new initiative will cut electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Mark Arbib, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Government Service Delivery, said the separate, lower rebate for rental properties had been scrapped because few people were taking it up.
"I don't think it's a secret that getting landlords and tenants to cooperate to make rental properties more energy efficient is an extremely difficult and widely recognised challenge," Senator Arbib said.
He described the increased rebate as a "win-win". Environmental measures have been a big part of the government's stimulus package and are hoped to improve Australia's emissions levels.
But Greg Hunt, opposition environment spokesman is not so sure about the announcement saying mis-management from the start has meant the old rental rebate had been a "white elephant".
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