Not cool: push for insulation in all Australian rental homes as study shows dangerous heat levels

The NSW town of Cowra, west of Sydney. Renters say their homes are often swelteringly hot as advocates push for regulations around roof insulation. Photograph: Stuart Walmsley/The Guardian

Advocates are calling for insulation to be regulated in all Australian rental properties as research shows some people swelter through temperatures above 30C in their homes for extended periods in summer.

Many of the hottest homes are those of people living in social housing, with some residents forced to go into debt to buy air conditioners, or hose down their houses to stay cool.