Landlords would be forced to install solar panels at their tenants’ request, under radical Greens policy

Renters could force landlords to install solar panels on investment properties – with taxpayers initially funding the cost – under a radical policy.

Renters would be given the power to force landlords to install solar panels at their property on the taxpayer under a radical Greens pitch.

Landlords of standalone properties and townhouses would have their hands tied over the issue as the Greens seek to bolster renters’ rights – as they would not be allowed to “unreasonably refuse” unless there were strict body corporate rules, engineering challenges or grid constraints.

Owners would face costs of $7700 for an average solar panel system of up to 8kW, plus installation and interest.

But Greens leader Adam Bandt says they wouldn’t have to bear this cost upfront, with a new $10bn fund offering concessional loans to be established through the publicly owned Snowy Hydro.

Adam Bandt has a plan that would force landlords to install solar panels if their tenants ask for them, which would slash energy costs for renters.

“There are seven million renters in Australia and they deserve to be able to cut their power bills and reduce their emissions, just like homeowners can,” Mr Bandt said.

“The Greens’ plan to give renters the right to solar will open up government support for the almost one in three Australian households who rent.

“Labor has already adopted our home battery plan. I hope they adopt our renters’ right to solar too.”

The Parliamentary Budget Office estimated that at least two million rental properties including standalone homes and townhouses would be suitable for the installation of a solar PV system.

The panels would be listed as an asset on Snowy Hydro’s balance sheet but a caveat would be placed on the title of the property.

Mr Bandt said landlords could elect to pay the cost of the solar panel system off early, if they chose.

Otherwise, Snowy Hydro would be repaid the amount owing when the property was sold or its ownership transferred.

The interest rate on the amount would be the lower of the consumer price index or the average weekly ordinary time earnings.

Daily Telegraph cartoonist Warren Brown’s view of the new Greens policy.

Mr Bandt will make the announcement during a speech to the Smart Energy Conference in Sydney on Thursday.

It is the latest in a raft of rental reforms the minor party will push the Albanese Government for if it ends up in the balance of power following the May 3 election.

“This election, the Greens will keep Dutton out and get Labor to act on renters’ rights and the climate crisis,” he said.

Other contentious proposals include freezing and capping rental increases, establishing a National Renters Protection Authority to fine dodgy landlords and agents, as well as new tenancy standards that would give renters a guaranteed right to lease renewal, access to five-year lease renewals and stronger minimum standards for heating, cooling, insulation and ventilation.