Renting · Renting out
Home Energy Saver for tenants and landlords
You don’t have to own your home to benefit. Whether you rent, or own a property you rent out, you may be able to take part, and it works best when you decide together.
On this page
Where you fit
Which part applies to you
Home Energy Saver is a NSW Government program that helps eligible households lower their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable, by reducing the upfront cost of energy saving upgrades. It offers two types of support, and which one you can use depends on whether you rent the home or own it.
If you rent
You can apply for the discount
Apply for up to $4,000 towards eligible upgrades in the home you rent. You’ll need your landlord’s approval, and your strata’s approval if the property has one.
If you're a landlord
Your tenant applies, you consent
Your tenant may apply for a discount on your property. You may also be eligible for a zero interest loan of up to $15,000 to invest in further upgrades.
$4,000
Discount
Towards the cost of eligible upgrades. Applied for by the owner or by a renter named on the lease.
$15,000
Zero interest loan
For eligible property owners only, to invest in further upgrades. One loan per property.
$200
Minimum contribution
Paid by the property owner on every discount, plus any cost above what the discount covers.
A discount and a loan are separate applications. Creditex delivers the discounts only. Loans are delivered by participating finance providers. If you may be eligible for both, it’s recommended you apply for the discount first.
Who can apply
Check your eligibility
Discounts and loans have different requirements. Final eligibility is confirmed through the application.
Discounts
Up to $4,000
To be eligible for a discount, you must:
✓ Be the owner of the property, or a tenant named on the lease
✓ Hold an eligible concession card, or have a combined household income of up to $80,000 and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Renters also need approval from their landlord, and from strata or the owners corporation if the property has one.
Loans
Up to $15,000, zero interest
To be eligible for a loan, you must:
✓ Be an owner of the property
✓ Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
✓ Have a combined annual taxable household income of up to $150,000
One loan is available per property. Loans are delivered by participating finance providers, not by Creditex.
Payment
What it costs and who pays
The discount reduces the cost of the upgrade by up to $4,000. The property owner pays the rest, called the customer contribution. This is the amount above the discount, and it is always at least $200. The customer contribution is paid in two parts:
- The deposit: 10% of the customer contribution or $200, whichever is greater. This is paid when the Customer Landlord Discount Agreement is signed.
- The remaining balance paid after the quote is confirmed and accepted. This covers any outstanding customer contribution.
If an eligible upgrade costs $5,000, the discount covers up to $4,000 and the customer contribution is $1,000. The landlord pays a Minimum Payment of $200, the greater of 10% or $200, then a Remaining Balance of $800 after accepting the quote. The final amounts are shown in the quote before anything goes ahead.
Agreeing
Deciding together
Once installed, the products become part of the property and belong to the property owner. However, tenants are the ones who will use and benefit from them day to day. We encourage renters and landlords to discuss the available options and agree on products that suit everyone before proceeding.
Choosing the home upgrades
Agree on suitable products and budget with the renter, either directly or through a property manager or agent. Both parties can withdraw before the application is finalised.
Giving consent
The property owner must consent before upgrades can proceed. Consent may be requested while renter eligibility is still being confirmed, but it doesn’t commit you until the upgrades and costs are confirmed.
The process
What to expect, step by step
From application to installation, and who does what along the way.
Application and consent
The renter chooses products, gets an estimate and applies. The tenant must obtain the landlord's consent to submit their contact details as part of the application process.
Eligibility and agreement
Once eligibility is confirmed, the renter and landlord sign a Customer Landlord Discount Agreement (CLDA). The landlord pays the Minimum Payment, which is 10% of the customer contribution or $200, whichever is greater. If the application is not eligible, we let you know and it does not proceed.
Electrical and safety assessment
A electrical and safety assessment confirms the right home upgrades, and the installation cost is confirmed in a quote. Once the quote is confirmed and accepted, the landlord pays the Remaining Balance of the customer contribution or gets a loan through an approved loan provider.
Installation and completion
Forge Solutions manages the installation through an approved supplier. Once installed, the products belong to the property owner.
Your next step
What you need to do
If you rent
1 Check your eligibility for a discount.
2 Talk to your landlord or property manager about the upgrades you’d like.
3 Apply for the discount once you’ve agreed on the upgrades.
If you're a landlord
1 Talk with your tenant, directly or through your property manager, about the upgrades.
2 Review the estimate and the chosen products on the consent portal.
3 Give your consent and sign the Customer Landlord Discount Agreement.
4 Arrange strata or owners corporation approval if your property needs it.
5 Consider whether a loan could help you make further improvements.
FAQs
Common questions
The property owner pays the customer contribution, which is a minimum of $200 and covers any cost above the discount. The landlord covers this because the upgrades are installed in their property and become theirs.
Without the owner's consent the application cannot proceed. Both the renter and the landlord can also withdraw before the application is finalised.
It's possible the landlord consents and the application is later declined because the renter doesn't meet the eligibility criteria. We let you know the outcome either way, and nothing goes ahead if the application cannot proceed.
Some properties do. If the property requires strata or owners corporation approval, the owner is responsible for arranging it.
You may be eligible for both. If so, it's recommended you apply for the discount first. Loans are delivered by participating finance providers. Visit energy.nsw.gov.au/home-energy-saver for more.
Get started
Ready to upgrade your home?
Complete a quick eligibility check and get an estimate. No
documents required.