My Western Sydney apartment had no air conditioning, and during the record-breaking heatwave of 2020, indoor temperatures reached 47 degrees. I spent three days sleeping on the tiled bathroom floor, the only marginally cooler spot. When I requested permission to install an air conditioner at my expense, the landlord refused, citing ‘aesthetic concerns’ about the external unit. The experience highlighted the gap in rental standards regarding climate adaptability—owners can veto improvements even when tenants bear the cost. Eventually, I was forced to move, specifically seeking a property with cooling. The additional rent was significant but necessary for basic comfort and health. That sweltering apartment taught me that climate change is creating new habitability challenges that current rental regulations aren’t addressing. Minimum standards need updating to reflect rising temperatures.