Poorly performing homes are contributing to cold-related deaths in Canberra, according to a new report from Better Renting.

Unsafe as Houses: Cold-housing deaths in the ACT estimates that 140 people die in Canberra each year as a result of health issued caused by or exacerbated by the cold, and that more than one third of these deaths could be attributed to cold-related housing.

The report found that Australian housing standards were lower than other comparative countries, with our inefficient housing stock resulting in poorly insulated homes. Better Renting recognised that renters were more likely to live in inefficient dwellings, thus increasing their exposure to the health risks linked to low indoor temperatures.

The report suggests that improving the quality of homes in the ACT could help avoid the number of cold-related deaths experienced in the state.

More information here